The best parenting tool? A regulated nervous system. Here’s why 👇🏼 Babies don’t yet have the ability to self-regulate or self-soothe, so they “borrow” calm from their parents. It’s called co-regulation. When you feel grounded, they feel safe. When you breathe, they soften- there’s scientific evidence that shows that your slow, intentional breathing slows theirs, as well. You are your baby’s first example of calm and safety. Even as children get older, a calm, grounded mom or dad can mean less or shorter tantrums, and more regulated little humans. So what is a regulated nervous system? It’s “rest and digest,” or a parasympathetic state. It’s remaining calm and grounded, even in times of stress or big emotions. Taking the time to regulate your own nervous system, both regularly each day, and during stressful or triggering moments, is what keeps you grounded and able to be that calm, regulated place for your little one. Nervous system regulation practices can look like: • mindfulness exercises • meditation • breathwork (this can even just be a few long, deep breaths, or making your exhales longer than your inhales to slow your heart rate) • exercise or a walk • being in nature • chiropractic • cooking or any other activity you find calming and meditative! • co-regulation: just like our babies borrow our calm, we can borrow it from someone calm around us who makes us feel safe • dancing or shaking it out • singing or vocalizing As someone who struggles with anxiety (and even more so now as a mom.. something I’m still working on), coming back to my toolbox of nervous system regulating practices has been especially important to help me show up as the mom I want to be. Have you practiced any of these? What helps you calm and ground when you need it most? Postpartum, motherhood, parenthood, first time mom, FTM, mom life, yoga teacher, health coach, wellness LTKmomlife LTKBaby