Being a mum is a demanding job that requires lots of time, patience, and energy. We all know the weight of the seemingly never-ending responsibilities and mental load and it can be difficult for us to find time to exercise regularly. There are many reasons we aren’t meeting the recommended exercise guidelines. We often feel guilty for prioritize our own health or taking time away from the family, paying to exercise might be a luxury we can’t afford, or we are just so sleep deprived that we are consciously trying to conserve energy. However, exercise is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Here are several reasons why mums should prioritize exercise into our busy schedules.
Increased Energy
Firstly, regular exercise can increase energy and endurance. Yes I know this sounds crazy to those of us that only had a few hours of sleep but when you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that interact with the receptors in your brain to reduce your perception of pain and produce a feeling of euphoria. Endorphins also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can leave you feeling energized and refreshed after a workout. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular fitness and increase the capacity of your lungs and heart to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. This means that your muscles can work more efficiently and for longer periods of time before fatigue sets in, which can help to improve overall endurance and energy levels. Exercise helps to promote better sleep quality. Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, increasing the duration of deep sleep, and decreasing the number of night-time awakenings (baby crying excluded). This can lead to feeling more rested and energized during the day. Finally, regular exercise can help to boost metabolism and increase the production of mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cells that generate energy. Exercise stimulates the production of more mitochondria, which means your body can produce more energy and maintain higher levels of physical activity without feeling fatigued.
Mental Health
Exercise can help to alleviate stress and anxiety. Raising children can be a stressful and overwhelming job, and exercise provides an opportunity to take a break from the stress of daily life. Exercise not only increases the production of endorphins but it has been shown to reduce the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. When stress hormones are constantly elevated, they can have negative effects on mental health, including contributing to feelings of anxiety and depression. Regular exercise can help to regulate stress hormone levels, leading to a reduction in symptoms of stress and improved mental health.. Regular exercise has also been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. It can promote the growth and development of new brain cells and neural connections, a process known as neurogenesis. This can help to improve cognitive function, including memory, learning, and attention. Exercise has also been shown to increase the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and survival of brain cells, and is associated with improved mental health and cognitive function.
Physical Health
Exercise is medicine. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good physical health including strength, flexibility, and balance. It can help to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Exercise has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving circulation and help to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and improving blood sugar control. Physical activity can help to prevent type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into the muscles, where it can be used for energy. Regular exercise can also help to prevent the development of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. The risk of certain types of cancer can be reduced by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of colon, breast, and lung cancer, among other types. Exercise helps to reduce cancer risk by improving immune function, reducing inflammation, and reducing the levels of hormones such as estrogen and insulin that can contribute to the development of cancer.
Lastly, as a mother, we want to set a good example for our children. By role modelling healthy lifestyle choices it encourages our children to prioritize their own health and fitness. It can also be an opportunity for families to spend time together, promoting a healthy lifestyle for the entire family.
In conclusion, exercise is essential for us mums to maintain good health and well-being. Regular exercise provides numerous benefits, including increased energy and endurance, reduced stress and anxiety, improved physical and mental health, and setting a positive example for children. For examples of easy exercises and workouts to do at home that are free and require limited equipment check this article out.