Lately I’ve been a little bummed. My baby boy turned one just a couple of weeks ago. My ‘baby girl’ is in the throes of the “terrible threes”. (Don’t let anyone tell you it’s the twos that are hard… They obviously just don’t have children over the age of two.) It’s winter. I’m still postpartum chubby.
Blaaaaaargh.
My kids are fine. It's me who has separation anxiety.
And I seem to have developed some nasty separation anxiety. Don’t get me wrong – I still have those days, 4:30 p.m., waiting for hubby to come home, wishing I had a litre of red wine attached to my head by some sort of contraption involving a straw, thinking about giving both children up for adoption and resenting the fact that I have to make dinner. But most days I love my role as part-time stay-at-home-mommy and post-modern housewife (i.e., I still do most of the housework but dream about how it could be divided up better…). My kids are growing so quickly. I probably will not have another baby. I just don’t want to miss anything.
Sometimes I’m so sad to leave the house and step away from my babies that I don’t even want to go to work (for a minute or two). Then, I’m out the door and feeling a teensy bit better. I might arrive at a client’s home and put on a smile. Then, before I know it, I’m genuinely smiling and the world is alright again. I can enjoy some adult company and a much needed break from my mommy role.
Even better, if I’m heading out to teach a Belly Bootcamp class, I am fortunate to be greeted by a bunch of smiling mommies and babies. That’s always good for the soul. If you can’t be with your own kids, others’ kids are a good substitute. But as much as I love seeing my Belly Bootcamp mommies, what really cheers me up when I teach one of our classes is… you guessed it: the workout.
All kidding aside, there is nothing like a rush of adrenaline and a boost to your circulation and metabolism to help one’s mood.
‘Tis the season to get depressed. If you or someone you love suffers from depression, seasonal depression or is just a little low these days, why not invite them out to a fitness class? Or for a walk in the snow?
And if you’re having a blah day… or fighting your own case of the mommy blues… strap the kid into the stroller and head outside for some fresh air and a bit of exercise. Or sign up for a yoga class and get out of the house one night a week to reconnect with your body. Or try a more social option, like a mommy-and-baby fitness class. Or just pop in a workout DVD or try a quick at-home workout while baby is napping.
It works every time. Trust me.
What is your go-to workout when you’re feeling a little low? Something restorative, like yoga? Or exciting, like boot camp?
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28 Responses to Curing Separation Anxiety
My workout when I am feeling low is mommy and baby bootcamp. Its so nice to be able to work out and still have your baby there. Less stress on finding a babysitter to get in shape.
My chosen career was that of mommy. I needed to work outside the home for short periods of time and I hated it! I would flee to the restroom & cry then go back to work. Thank goodness I had reliable child care or I couldn’t have made it through those times! My children are all grown now and I am a very involved grandma and I try to be supportive without adding to the pain when I see my daughter upset about leaving her 2 little ones. She is fortunate to have both grandmas to tend them – and we both love it! I only hate it because I understand my daughter’s pain at leaving, but she always enjoyed her work. It takes all of us working together to make life better for all of us.
A good run really helps me feel better. I run down by the water and just looking at the lake while running makes me feel better. But since it’s been so snowy and cold lately (and I just don’t want to chance falling and breaking something) I have been doing weights and working out on my elliptical trainer machine in my basement while watching TLC’s What Not to Wear. I love that show!!!
Given the two seasons we have here.., snow or sun.., i opt for two different workouts.., Snowy weather I stay in and do some relaxing breathing and stretching.., Sunny weather I power walk around the block a few times.., being a full time worker and mommy of a 3 & 1yr old.., deep breathing puts me back into place.., ahhhhhh
I go grab my ipod shuffle, head down to our treadmill in the basement and run off the blahs — usually the music itself gets me in to a better mood. I usually sing along too — which is why the kids tend to hide upstairs when momma is on the treadmill — seems I sound like a dying cat when I sing ; )
Today is my little girl is 8 months old. In my heart I celebrate all the accomplishments and am so happy of how she has changed my life. In my head I am counting down to going back to work – and I don’t want to be doing that (or going back).
When I can get their during open hours I take Lorelei to the daycare at the gym and join a class. I need to be forced to stay for an hour or I get bored and leave. I love the dance classes (avert your eyes!) and the yoga-type classes as well.
Thanks for the inspiration. I’m taking the kids for a walk right now. I think the fresh air and adrenaline rush is exactly what I need!!!
When I am feeling a bit low, I will put on my favourite music and then go on treadmill for half an hour. And then I will go to see my baby and when I see her happy face, I am all fresh and energetic again!
Down to the ground for a few push ups.
I love going for a walk in nature. It both gets my blood flowing and gives me the chance to remember that there is beauty all around us.
Mine is boxing on the wii…really gets the blood pumping
I try to get to a hot yoga class. If I can’t get out, I play with my toddler. Chasing her around is a definite workout !
Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is my go to. It doesn’t matter what level you’re on. 20 minutes of her and you’ll be pumped and refreshed.
When I was pregnant I took on Yoga. I had never done it before but it became my release. Having a toddler at home and feeling tired from the second pregnancy, I looked forward to my weekly ritual. I left yoga feeling fresh and rejuvenated. I now use it whenever possible. Really, I need it more often then I think.
i just do stretches and listen to music.
the elliptical
A quick walk outside in the brisk air works for me.
While I don’t have the patience for Yoga, a quick step class always gets me going!
I take a walk with the double jogger with my girls. If i’m up to it ill take a dog but not usually
always perks me up!
My mp3 player and a brisk (solo) walk.
I find a channel on TV that reruns “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and then do the “Carelton” dance – that always makes me laugh!
My go to workout is pushing the kids in the jogging stroller whil i am rollerblading!
Dance on Broadway for Wii. I just got it and absolutely love it. It makes me feel famous and automatically lifts my spirits. Or going to the YMCA, dropping the kids off in childcare and sitting in the sauna!
Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. But most of the time it is just a dance party with my 4 year old. Clean up the living room floor and turn up the music and dance like crazy! LOL
When I’m feeling stressed I turn to my beginner TaeBo workout tape (yep, on VHS!). I love the easy moves and I always end up feeling strong and centered by the end.
when i am feeling low, i try and dance with my kids.. i get out some extra energy and work out at the same time.
this is my correct email address sorry for the mistake
I go for a nice walk with son in the stroller and my 2 giant dog babies.