Pregnancy for the Professional Woman

The relaxation techniques that you learn now will serve you all your life. Try each method a few times to find out which works best for you. Then practice relaxation for ten minutes, twice a day. Most people find that it takes a couple of weeks to become proficient. Once you've learned the techniques, you'll be able to do them in the middle of a crowd.

Regular use of these techniques will make you more serene and more capable of dealing with the stress of work and pregnancy. These exercises will also help you to focus your attention inward. Your body will receive the message that you're safe and secure. Your muscles will relax, your pulse rate will drop, and you'll find your anxiety has decreased. Before you begin practicing, make sure conditions are right:

• Privacy—Its best if you can avoid being disturbed. Pick a quiet place and close the door. Take the phone off the hook, if possible.
• Comfort—Sit in a comfortable chair, take your shoes off, loosen your clothing, and close your eyes.
• Concentration—Don't allow anything to distract you. If your thoughts wander, refocus your attention on the technique.
• Duration—Make sure you practice at least ten minutes every day. Take the time during the workday even if you're very busy. Once you've relaxed, you ll find your efficiency will improve, making up for lost time.

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Excerpted from:

© 2005 by Marla Schram Schwartz. Excerpted from The Working Woman's Baby Planner with permission of its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc.

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