Ep. 36 | From Survival Mode to Being a Present Parent with Alex Viera, OT
Ep. 36 | From Survival Mode to Being a Present Parent with Alex Viera, OT
Welcome to Episode 36 of the podcast where we dive into the nuances of parenting and self-care. In this episode, I welcome Alex Vieira, an occupational therapist who specializes in helping moms go from chronically stressed and burnt out to present and regulated. Let's delve into the highlights of their insightful conversation.
The Journey to Helping Moms
Alex starts by sharing her journey into occupational therapy and what drove her to specifically focus on moms. She began her career in pediatric occupational therapy and quickly noticed that helping moms manage their stress was just as important as helping their children. She highlights the time she spent in homes and daycares, observing moms who were struggling just to get through the day.
"I get to the house and they're like, can you just hold the baby so I can shower?" Alex recalls. She realized that one or two hours of therapy a week for children wasn’t enough if their parents were constantly in survival mode. It was then she decided to focus her efforts on supporting moms in managing their own stress.
Understanding the Nervous System
One of the key topics discussed was the nervous system and how it impacts parenting. Alex explains the connection between the nervous system and sensory system, describing it as a pyramid where the nervous system forms the base.
“Our autonomic nervous system is fight, flight, or freeze mode regulation,” Alex explains. She emphasizes that we cannot control when we go into fight or flight because it’s an automatic response. This can be especially challenging for moms when everyday stimuli, like a crying baby or noisy environment, can send them into this survival mode.
Simple Practices for Nervous System Regulation
So, how can moms start regulating their nervous systems? Alex offers simple yet effective advice:
Awareness: Being aware that you are in fight or flight mode is the first step. Often, we are so busy we don’t even realize it.
Small Breaks: Taking small breaks throughout the day can help. Whether it’s stepping outside for a few minutes, having a quiet time, or doing some stretching and deep breathing, these little habits can prevent the stress cup from overflowing.
Nutrition and Hydration: Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial. Alex stresses that even being slightly dehydrated can increase anxiety. Eating well and staying hydrated can help keep the nervous system balanced.
Creating a Safe Environment
Creating a sense of safety within our own bodies is another vital aspect of Alex’s approach. She explains that when we are constantly in fight or flight mode, our bodies don’t know what safety feels like. By doing things that make us feel safe, such as connecting with our children or taking moments to pause, we can retrain our nervous systems to recognize safety.
The Importance of Slowing Down
Alex emphasizes the importance of slowing down: "We are always doing instead of just being." She advises moms to avoid filling every minute with tasks and instead take moments to simply be present. This, she believes, is crucial for both physical and mental well-being.
Spiritual Connection
Both our host and Alex share their experiences of how their relationship with Christ has helped them find peace and direction. Alex mentions that her regulation work with moms has deepened her spiritual connection and helped her understand the importance of connecting with God and listening to His guidance.
Final Thoughts
Alex leaves us with a powerful reminder: "Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do. And it only takes five minutes a day." This simple yet profound advice underscores the entire conversation. It's about making small, manageable changes that can have a significant impact on our overall well-being.
I hope this episode has provided valuable insights and practical advice for moms looking to manage stress and navigate the challenges of motherhood. Remember, self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And as Alex beautifully puts it, it doesn't take much time to start feeling better and showing up more fully for ourselves and our families.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allison_and_wellness
Connect with Alex:
Instagram: @the.confident.parent
