Sometimes mothers try to hold on to pre-mom ways without realizing it. Letting go of the expectations of the pre-mom body, mind or spirit can be a weight lifted off her shoulders. Motherhood profoundly changes a woman. It changes her in beautiful, amazing ways.
Holding on to previous expectations can really cause distress. For example, women are bombarded by images of moms “getting their body back” after baby. Therefore, they feel guilty carrying the extra pounds or stretch marks or a new shape because “if she can do it, why can’t I”?
For example: You are trying to fit in a structured workout program like your pre-mom-self did, and finding it difficult. You keep putting it off because you are tired, busy, etc. Instead of this cycle and mentally beating yourself up, try fitting in little bouts of activity when you can instead of the structure. Do ten squats while your child is playing or when you wake up in the morning. Ten is better than zero! Add a couple bridges in while you are cleaning up the playroom. It is a simple way to shift your paradigm.
The following activities can be done without any equipment at all:
ALWAYS check with a health care or fitness professional before beginning any new physical activity.
Motherhood changes your mind and spirit as well. I encourage you to be gentle and forgiving with yourself as you figure out the new rhythm as a mother. Things are going to be different, and that does not equal bad, just different.
In what ways do you find yourself trying to fit into your old pre-mom ways? How can you change your thinking to positively adapt to your new world?
Mother Bear Care 