Podcast Episode #215

Exercise is medicine: Investing in your physical and mental health

exercise is medicine

If you are a mother who is feeling tired, unmotivated, sore or weak…. and feeling the effects of the motherhood load, this episode is for you.

In this episode I provide some real life strategies to help you invest in your self-care with exercise, use exercise as medicine, and thus invest in your physical and mental health, to help you feel like a stronger, happier mother.

Real-Life Strategies for Integrating Exercise into Daily Life

Understanding the challenges of squeezing exercise into a busy mothering schedule, I offer actionable advice on making physical activity a feasible part of your daily routine. The key, I suggest, is not the duration but the consistency and intention behind the activity. Even five-minute sessions can lead to significant improvements in how mothers feel physically and mentally. These brief moments of activity are not only manageable but also effective in building strength and reducing stress.

Exercise as a Form of Self-Care

For many mothers, the concept of self-care often falls to the bottom of the daily priorities list. However, I emphasise that exercising is a profound form of caring for oneself. It’s not about rigorous workouts but finding simple ways to move your body. This could be a short walk, gentle stretches, or incorporating exercises during playtime with your children. These activities underscore the idea that exercise is medicine, offering a dose of revitalisation that can uplift spirits and improve overall health.

Benefits Beyond Physical Health

I also delve into the psychological benefits of exercise. Engaging in physical activity can help alleviate common postpartum issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. It serves as a natural mood lifter and a powerful tool in combating the mental strains of motherhood. By investing time in exercise, mothers can experience enhanced emotional resilience, feeling more equipped to handle the complexities of parenting.

Support Through FitNest Mama

To further support my fellow mothers, I’ve introduced my online postnatal workout program, FitNest Mama, designed to provide accessible, easy-to-integrate exercise solutions specifically tailored for mothers at various stages of their journey. This program encourages mothers to start small, focus on achievable goals, and gradually build their strength and confidence.

My approach to exercise as medicine is a call to all mothers to recognise the importance of their health and wellbeing. By incorporating small, manageable bouts of exercise into daily life, mothers can enhance their physical strength, improve their mental health, and enjoy a more fulfilling motherhood. Remember, every step taken towards self-care is a step towards a happier, healthier life for both you and your family.

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

Podcast Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Spewy.

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Episode Links

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @fitnestmama

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