(outfit)
I’m about 4 months postpartum right now and wanted to write a post describing my experience with postpartum anxiety so far and how exercise has helped me. We all know that I enjoy exercising and I’ve always said that it helps me manage my anxiety (that I have had prior to pregnancies) but it has been even more of a help now than ever before.
So, to backtrack a bit, exercise is now a hobby (yes, I do it because I enjoy it not because I *have* to) that I started originally for physical reasons…probably not unlike most people. Want to firm up here, lean out there, etc. Yes I was an athlete my whole life so being active was part of my lifestyle, but going to workout for me & not for soccer was something different. So yeah- I started because I wanted to see certain results (which, sidenote, did not happen until I started doing Besst Workouts circuits) but now I continue to do it because of how it makes me feel mentally and emotionally. Once I really realized what a difference it made in my mood and my anxiety, I couldn’t not get out there and do it. I could tell such a big difference in days when I work out as opposed to days that I don’t. I’m a better person & better mom when I do it.
Enter: the first 6 weeks postpartum when you’re not supposed to exercise. I am a very compliant patient, so I abided by doctor’s orders and did not exercise prior to getting cleared with the exception of going on walks, which they said was okay to do. I did also do my breathing & pelvic floor exercises from my Postpartum Guide a few days after giving birth…it’s fine to do those whenever YOU feel ready so long as there are not other contraindications from your doctor. But yeah, other than that I didn’t exercise. No weights or circuits or running or any of that. And I missed it. And I could tell mentally how much I needed it. It’s my me-time, and while I felt so incredibly grateful to have a newborn, it’s just extremely draining!
I totally understand why you’re not supposed to workout for at least 6 weeks prior to getting cleared from your doctor. You are healing and you are sleep deprived. You need rest. The first week especially, I had really bad baby blues. I didn’t have those after my pregnancy with Emma, so they took me by surprise. Every day around 5pm I’d start to feel so low…I told Craig it felt like my emotions were completely bottoming out. I would feel hopeless and so depressed & anxious, and would just cry. Luckily those intense feelings subsided after the first week…but my already-existing anxiety seemed to become worse postpartum. And I knew that once I was cleared to workout again, that I’d start feeling like myself and mentally less weighed down. I knew it would help.
With my postpartum anxiety…it really mostly is centered around something happening to my children or to me or Craig. I battle thoughts of all these worst case scenario things happening, basically all the time. Once I was able to start working out again, things gradually have become lighter. I do still struggle with PPA but I’m also seeing a therapist through Better Help online. I highly recommend talking to someone if you are having any mental health concerns. It’s been another invaluable tool. I also like how Better Help gives you a questionnaire so that they can match you with the best counselor for your needs. I was able to find a female, Christian-based therapist to help me and she has been wonderful.
But back to exercise…its just something that I want to encourage anyone to do who might be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, whatever it may be. Check out this article about the “Happiness-Boosting Benefits of Working Out“, where I grabbed the quote below:
Due to the neuroplasticity of the brain, exercise can even improve the function and structure of the brain over time. This shift can change and improve the quality of an individual’s thoughts and have a positive reduction effect on anxious or ruminating thinking patterns. Through repetition, individuals can even rewire the way they think about and respond to stress.
That’s pretty cool if you ask me. The article also describes how “If you are looking to enhance the happiness-boosting power of exercise even further, you might consider exercising with friends or getting involved with an exercise community.” Which is another big thing for me with working out…I absolutely LOVE knowing I’m doing my Besst Workouts circuits alongside a community of women that uplift & motivate.
Just know, if you’re struggling with postpartum anxiety, you are not alone. Even if it’s just a walk or yoga or something, I encourage you to do whatever you can to move your body when you’re physically able to. Mentally, you will be so glad that you did. I know I always am!
xo,
Bess
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