Sunny Day Therapy's Blog- Helping Children & Caregivers Shine, Do, and Thrive

How Occupational Therapy Supports Stress Relief & Regulation in Motherhood

There is nothing quite as unique and beautiful as motherhood. With that said, babies don’t come with an instruction manual and it can be a difficult transition due to sleepless nights, emotional highs and lows, physical recovery, shifting identities, and the constant demands of caring for another human being. Needless to say, motherhood can take a toll on your nervous system. You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, or like you’ve lost a bit of yourself in the chaos.

That’s where occupational therapy (OT) can help.

As occupational therapists, we understand that functioning well as a mom doesn’t just mean caring for your baby — it means supporting your body, mind, and emotions too, so that you can be your best for you and your baby. OT offers targeted, evidence-based strategies to help you regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and return to a place of occupational balance, even in the messiest moments.

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🌿 What Is a “Mom Mental Reset”?

A mental reset is a small but intentional pause — a minute or two to calm your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and shift out of survival mode. These moments, practiced regularly, can:

• Reduce chronic stress and burnout
  
• Support emotional regulation
  
• Improve sleep and energy
  
• Help you feel more connected and present
  

Occupational therapists are trained in therapeutic techniques that support nervous system regulation — blending sensory strategies, environmental modification, education, and mindfulness.

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 OT Strategies That Help Moms Reset

Here are a few simple, OT-backed tools you can try — or explore deeper in therapy:

1. Breath Awareness

Slow, conscious breathing can calm the parasympathetic nervous system (your body’s “rest and digest” mode). Our OT can guide you in techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, or rhythmic breathing to help regulate anxiety and overwhelm.

2. Sensory-Based Regulation

Sensory strategies — like using a warm weighted blanket, grounding through touch, or stepping outside to feel the sunshine or wind — are strategies to help you feel more grounded in your body. Our OT can help identify which sensory inputs best support your individual needs. Specialized lifestyle, sensory integration, and maternal health training guide our interventions.

3. Emotional Expression Tools

Sometimes, moms don’t need a solution — they just need space. Our OT can coach simple journaling prompts, visual check-ins, or “name it to tame it” methods to help you process emotions without judgment. Our specific program Nourishing New Families is evidence-based and theory-driven.

4. Body Mechanics + Physical Relief

Unfortunately, the stress we experience can impact our body. OTs assess posture, daily habits, and muscle tension — especially after birth or during feeding — and provide ergonomic tips and therapeutic movement to reduce physical strain.

5. Environment & Routine Support

A calm space supports a calm mind. OTs can help simplify your daily environment, reduce sensory clutter, and create flexible routines that work for you, not against you. Our OT is guided by advanced training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMH-C by Postpartum International) and USC’s Lifestyle Redesign & home modification trainings.

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💛 You Deserve Support

Motherhood shouldn’t mean ignoring your needs. At Sunny Day Therapy, we’re here to support moms through every stage — offering compassionate, holistic occupational therapy that helps you reclaim calm, function, and joy in your daily life. A one-minute reset can make all the difference. Let’s find what works for your nervous system — together.

 Contact us today: Email kim@beewellot.com to schedule a consultation.

Learn more here