If I skip my daily jog for a few days, I can feel the tension building up inside me. My husband and kids start noticing my restless energy. I find myself pacing around the kitchen, becoming irritable, and letting out complaints left and right until someone finally hands me my running shoes and insists, “Go! We need the cheerful you back!”
My journey with exercise began as a teenager when I was battling severe anxiety and panic attacks. Following my doctor’s advice, I took long, brisk walks. Stepping outside helped me escape my chaotic thoughts, allowing me to breathe and think clearly. The endorphins released during exercise were a game changer—they lifted my mood and brought me back to a happier state. While exercise isn’t the only tool I use to manage my anxiety (which can be relentless), it has become a vital part of my overall well-being.
With over 20 years of consistent exercise under my belt, I can confidently say it keeps both my mind and body in good shape. However, losing weight has never been my main objective—not anymore, anyway. Back in my pre-mom days, I was fixated on sculpting the perfect figure, sometimes to an unhealthy degree. But as I’ve aged and embraced motherhood, my priorities have shifted. My family tends to be on the curvier side, and I’ve accepted that I’m not meant to be skinny. The times I came close to that ideal were when I was either undernourished or overexercising—not out of joy, but out of desperation for an unattainable body.
Now, my focus is on maintaining happiness, health, and sanity. I exercise to keep my cool while parenting and to take care of the stress that comes with being a primary caregiver. I want to run alongside my kids and enjoy a long, active life—hopefully even as a grandmother someday.
A few years ago, after welcoming my second child, I began dreaming of running—something I had never considered before. In those dreams, I felt weightless, almost soaring through the sky. Inspired, I bought a jogging stroller and started experimenting with running. Initially, I could only manage a few blocks before feeling out of breath, so I mixed in walking. Before long, I was running most of the time, and eventually, I was able to leave the stroller behind.
At first, I thought this new running routine might help shed those stubborn five pounds of baby weight that lingered from my first child’s birth nearly a decade ago. Spoiler alert: it didn’t really happen (those pounds seem to be part of me now). Regardless, just the experience of doing something I doubted I could achieve has been incredibly fulfilling and has greatly assisted in managing my lifelong struggle with anxiety.
When I face tough moments, I often find myself repeating, “I can do this, I can do this,” as I run. It may sound cheesy, but it serves as a powerful reminder that running mirrors life, teaching us to overcome the obstacles that come our way.
I’m thankful my family understands my need to get out and hit the pavement a few times a week. When I return from a run, my kids can see the joy and tranquility that washes over me. They quickly swarm me, showering me with hugs and kisses.
Kids are funny like that; they don’t even care that I’m soaked in sweat. And here’s a little bonus: fitting in my jogs ensures I have no excuse to skip showering afterward. My kids support my exercise routine, which means they mostly give me peace to freshen up post-run.
That quiet, long shower? Perhaps that’s the best reason of all to lace up my sneakers.
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In summary, exercise is my sanctuary amid the chaos of motherhood. It’s not about fitting into a smaller size but about nurturing my mental well-being and staying connected with my family.
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