The Best Way to Overcome Anxiety in Motherhood and Parenting

Before kids I occasionally struggled with anxious thoughts. Things like feeling concerned about my upcoming exam or that odd looking mole on my arm. But after I had kids these fears only seemed to intensify.

Now I had little lives to look after, to nourish and to grow. How was I supposed to know what to do? Are they eating enough fruits and vegetables? Will I permanently damage them if I let them watch too much TV, eat sugar, drink formula!? Who knew there were so many things to worry about!?

Have you ever felt this way as a mom? If the answer is yes, keep reading! Today I’m sharing something my eyes have been opened to recently. And I think I’ve found a practical way to overcome anxiety in motherhood.

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If you’ve been hanging around Heart of Deborah for a while you may know I am a Christian. Jesus is my rock and my salvation. I can’t imagine my life without Him! So naturally the way I overcome anxiety is through Him.

A few weeks ago I read Philippians 4:6-7. It’s a passage I know well.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

Normally I just read through it and think to myself “Okay, don’t be anxious. God tells us we don’t have to be. He will watch me. He will over my kids. I just need to pray, ask and He will provide.”

Being a mom isn't easy! It can be especially hard if you are struggling with anxiety as you parent. Here are some practice tips to overcome anxiety in motherhood through Jesus. #Christianmom #Christianparenting #motherhood #parenting

As moms when we feel anxious we may pray a little, meditate or try to distract ourselves….but we do this all while holding on to our internal struggles. We often fight this internal battle of the mind alone. We don’t share with others because we think “maybe it’s not a big deal” or maybe we are ashamed to admit we are struggling. Yet keeping things in the dark is what the enemy wants. When we bring things to the light, confessing it, proclaiming it, we allow God to move on our behalf.

See I struggle with anxiety, but I don’t always want to admit it.

Though I’ve found when I try to fight the battle by myself, in my own strength, in my own mind, I fail.

Whenever I start to feel anxious or uneasy I need to confess this to God immediately. I need to speak it out loud and say “I’m tired of this. I’m tired of feeling anxious. I was not created for this. Anxiety and unrest is not the will of God for my life.”

Then I pray to him and make my requests known.

Pray: “Lord, I can’t do this in my own strength. I need you. When I think about how to overcome this, it seems impossible. I can’t find the way out. Yet I know your ways are higher than mine. I know you have won the battle, victory is yours. You wear the victor’s crown. You have great and mighty plans for my life. Do a work in me Lord. I surrender my heart and my mind to you. Transform it. Renew it. Release me from unrest, anxiety and inner turmoil.”

The Best Way to Overcome Anxiety in Motherhood

When I do this, the peace of God guards my heart and my mind through Jesus. I don’t have to overcome anxiety alone. I don’t have to try to protect my mind by myself.

When I confess it and declare it before God, HE will guard my mind. HE will guard my heart from all anxieties. What an awesome promise that is!

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Do you struggle with anxiety? Unrest? You don’t have to fight this battle alone. Do you ever think “I can handle this. I can just stop feeling anxious. I’ll just focus on the positive, let go of things I can’t control.” Yet you continue to feel anxious?

Today I want to encourage you to bring your cares to Jesus. He takes the burden off. Stop putting it back on. Leave it at the altar and let the peace of God transform your heart.

Being a mom isn’t easy! It can be especially hard if you are struggling with anxiety as you parent. I’d love to connect with you. Leave a comment below or message me on Instagram!