Getting pregnant and having a baby is one of those things that can really change you as a person. You take on a new identity of mum, and it can often be a very overwhelming time. Of course, you feel happy and excited about the next steps in life, but it can be difficult to feel like yourself again when you have a baby to think about. So what can you do to feel more you? With that in mind, here are some of the ways that you can feel yourself again after having a baby.
Get more active
One of the first things to consider doing would be to get active and try and start again when it comes to exercise. After having a baby, you can feel tired, lethargic and low on energy. Exercising can help you to feel better about yourself on the inside and out. If you had a csection, make sure you wait the recommended time before starting to exercise again, and even if it was an uncomplicated birth, it is always worth seeking advice from a midwife before starting up exercise. You could look at things such as postnatal yoga, walking, maybe starting to gradually run again if you did before. There are even specific workouts online that you could try.
Avoid extreme diets and take a balanced approach
You may be feeling a little down and out after having a baby and sometimes that can be down to your weight gain. It is completely normal to put on a few pounds during pregnancy and some people don’t always bounce straight back. But this shouldn’t mean you turn to extreme diets and make yourself feel miserable. A balanced approach and getting all of the nutrients you need is always going to be a great way to feel your best and slowly get back into shape. You will feel energised as well as confident once more.
Work on your mindset
Another thing to think about would be your mindset. Your hormones will be all over the place right now, and often this is when the baby blues can strike. Try and be kind to yourself, this is all very normal. Your mind is a powerful tool so make sure you focus on positive aspects of your life and change your outlook for the better. Take good care of yourself, try things like meditation and get the rest you need. Along with exercise and eating the right food your mind can work alongside all of those things to help you feel your usual self once more.
Make sure you take time for some self care
Finally, having a baby is full on, and you may find that you don’t have much time for anything else, but it is still important to take care of you. A happy mum means a happy baby so take the time to look after yourself. A nice bath, a home cooked meal, some exercise, these are all things that can be done as self care, alongside a good skincare routine. Even things like dressing for the day and doing your hair can lift your mood.
Let’s hope these things help you to feel like yourself again after having a baby.
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Image source – Pixabay – CC0 License
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
