Reclaiming your sense of confidence after you’ve gone through a time of difficulty, loss, or stress can take some time. It’s important to be gentle with yourself and accept that it’s going to be a process. Also, everyone’s timeline for recuperation after going through any kind of hardship is different. For those who are struggling with both the challenges of a global pandemic and with the complex and often painful experience of placing a child for adoption, it may feel almost impossible to get out into the world or to resume certain activities. So don’t pressure yourself. Be patient and wait until you feel ready. At the same time, there are things you can do that may help you feel more confident, hopeful, and at peace.
Make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Getting a good night’s rest is essential for both your mental and physical well-being. However, individuals who have experienced stress, trauma, or other forms of difficulty may often find it harder to get the sleep they so desperately need. Talk to your provider if you are having trouble sleeping, to see what resources are available to help you. Some natural methods that may help you get a good night’s sleep involve sticking to a regular sleep routine, taking melatonin supplements, getting some exercise in, avoiding screens before bedtime, and cutting down on caffeine consumption.
Get the nutrients you need also.
You may be feeling a sense of loss or depletion, which is very real and valid. But you may also be feeling tired or physically run down because of what your body has experienced, so it’s important to keep eating well, and getting the right nutrients. Look for healthy and nutritious meals that are enjoyable, so you’ll be more motivated to eat them. Good eating habits don’t have to mean sacrifice and abstaining; eating well is about focusing on getting the nourishment you need- and the enjoyment of a good, healthy meal is a kind of nourishment too.
Find an exercise regimen that is safe, low-impact, and enjoyable.
How much exercise you should be doing right now depends on your status of postpartum recovery, any health issues you may have, and how active you were prior to pregnancy. Keep in mind that pushing yourself too hard can end up slowing down your healing process. You may possibly feel inclined to push yourself as a way of dealing with the complicated feelings you are having. This is totally understandable, but remember, in the long run, it’s better to take things slowly and master new fitness challenges one step at a time.
Protect your financial well-being.
Financial management can become stressful and overwhelming for those who have already been dealing with stress. The pandemic has made life more uncertain for countless people, and this can correlate with a loss of financial security. Processing the emotions that you may be having after placing your child can’t make this any easier. Still, it’s important to practice financial self-care by not overspending, budgeting well, and reducing unnecessary expenses, such as memberships or subscriptions you no longer use. You may also be able to alleviate financial stress by refinancing your home to get a lower mortgage payment and better rates.
Consider making some life changes if you feel the time is right.
Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference, such as quitting an unhealthy habit or pursuing a new hobby. But You may also want to consider making bigger life changes, such as going back to school for a degree or embarking on a new career. Earning an online degree in a business-related field such as marketing, economics, accounting, or management can open up many exciting new opportunities.
Again, what works for one person might be different from what works for the next. If these methods don’t work, look into other options. You may also benefit from the support and guidance of a good therapist or counselor. You can also find helpful resources and a supportive online community at Life After Placement.
Carrie Spencer - Writer