Are Your Attempts To Unwind Turning You Tighter? Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.  It contains no affiliate links.  All thoughts are my own and no other.  This post is now in the guidelines of the FTC. I’m not going to lie; becoming a mother is stressful. It doesn’t matter your age, life situation, or relationship status. No job could ever be more important than raising your child. What’s more, this isn’t a task you can leave at work. The pressure is ongoing, and it follows you everywhere. It’s worth the struggle, of course. I can’t imagine anything more rewarding than holding my child. But, with the above in mind, is it any wonder we’re all desperate for ways to deal with the stress? I know I have some go-to relaxation methods, and doing the same could help you keep your head about you. When you know how to unwind, you can make the most of even the small snippets of time you get to yourself. But, what happens if your unwinding habits start to wind you up even more? I prefer to stick with natural options like yoga and meditation to avoid this. But, some seek outlets which end up worse for their mental health in the long run. To make sure you don’t make the same mistake, read to find out what unwinding looks like when it’s done wrong. Smoking the Stress away Smoking is a stress go-to for many. Those who have smoked in the past may slip back to this. Even those who’ve never smoked may reach for a packet of cigarettes in desperation. But, this is never a good idea. For one, even smoke on your clothes can damage your baby. Some of the main withdrawal symptoms also include increased stress and irritability. So, your attempts to unwind could fast wind you up tighter than you before. In case you hadn’t guessed, then, it’s never worth going down this route. A drink you can’t do without If you have a baby-free night, a glass of wine could be just the thing to ease your worries. It’s worth being aware, though, that even drinking can pose problems. If you develop a reliance on this, you’ll feel more stressed than ever when you can’t drink. If you notice this happening, it may be worth attending something like the workshops offered by Crossroads Recovery. You should also make sure that alcohol is the exception, rather than the evening rule. A little too much comfort food Comfort food is a firm favorite. You can do it at any time of day. You don’t need to baby-free to partake. And, for the most part, it seems like a safe bet. Trust me; there’s nothing wrong with sitting down for your favorite cake occasionally. This is a good way to carve out me-time. But, watch out for signs that you’ve taken this too far. If you’re having ‘cake time’ once or twice a day, you need to nip this in the bud. Being overweight poses risks to your health which are often as extreme as smoking. Plus, you guessed it; excessive weight gain can stress you out no end. Make sure, then, that this little comfort stays little. Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.  It contains no affiliate links.  All thoughts are my own and no other.  This post is now in the guidelines of the FTC.