Updated: June 10, 2016
Originally Published: June 10, 2016
When I skip my workouts for a few days, I can feel the tension mounting. My partner and children pick up on it too. I find myself wandering around the kitchen, irritable, voicing complaints until someone nearly tosses my sneakers at me and urges, “Go! We need you back to yourself.”
My journey with exercise began in my teenage years, emerging from a challenging time filled with anxiety and panic. Physical activity was essentially prescribed to me as a way to cope. Stepping outside became a way to clear my mind and process my thoughts. The endorphins released during exercise significantly contributed to my mental well-being. While exercise is just one tool in my toolbox for managing anxiety, it has become a vital part of my overall health.
For over two decades, physical activity has played a crucial role in maintaining both my mental and physical health. However, my primary focus has shifted away from achieving a slender physique. In the past, before becoming a parent, I was often preoccupied with being lean, sometimes to an unhealthy extreme. With age and motherhood, my priorities have transformed. Curvy figures run in my family, and I’ve realized that striving for an unattainable body type often came at the cost of my health and happiness.
Today, my goal is simple: I want to feel happy, healthy, and composed. I exercise to prevent myself from becoming overwhelmed by parenting responsibilities. I want to keep up with my children as they dash down the street and ensure I can actively participate in their lives, including playing the role of an energetic grandmother someday.
After the birth of my second child, my life as a mother intensified, and I began having dreams about running—something I had never done before. In these dreams, I felt like I was soaring. Inspired, I purchased a jogging stroller and took my first steps into running. Initially, it was tough; I struggled to go more than a few blocks without feeling nauseous. However, I gradually built my endurance, transitioning from walking to running almost exclusively.
At first, I thought running would help me shed those stubborn five pounds of baby weight that lingered since my first child was born nearly a decade ago. While that didn’t happen, the experience of doing something I once deemed impossible has been profoundly rewarding, especially in managing my anxiety.
During tougher days, I often find solace in running, repeating affirmations like “I can do this” to myself. It might sound cliché, but running serves as a powerful metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges.
I’m thankful my family recognizes the importance of my runs. Upon my return, they can see the happiness and tranquility restored to my demeanor, and they often greet me with affection. My kids, with their quirky love, don’t mind that I’m drenched in sweat, which brings me to another perk of exercising: it gives me a reason to shower. They understand that letting me have this time helps keep my frustrations at bay, allowing me a moment of peace.
In the end, a long, quiet shower may just be the best reward of all for prioritizing my mental health through exercise. For more tips on wellness and parenting, check out this insightful post on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This article emphasizes the importance of exercise for mental well-being rather than weight loss. The author recounts their journey from walking to running, highlighting how physical activity has helped manage anxiety and improve overall happiness. The support of family plays a crucial role in maintaining the author’s dedication to exercise, which ultimately contributes to a more balanced family life.