Pre/Postnatal Well-being During Covid19
Being pregnant can be a struggle for most. Your body changes so much, your hormones affect your mood, tiredness, sleep deprivation, cravings, aches and pains, and lack of motivation to stay physically active.
During the summer months, during the first Lockdown, when the gyms were shut, everyone got out cycling, walking, running, they found their own way to exercise and it was easier because the weather was nice, when the sun is shining everyone finds it easier to get out and do stuff. Now the winter months are here and we are in another lockdown it is harder to get out and about and stay active.
For the Mum’s to be and the New Mum’s finding the time to keep active and focusing on good nutrition is hard a the best of times, but throw in a dose of Covid19 and it does feel harder to keep on top of all of these things.
If you are someone who uses a gym to stay fit and active, it is particularly hard, or if you are someone who likes to attend classes. Doing online sessions works for some but it isn’t for everyone. Having the motivation to work out alone can prove to be hard for a lot of women. It is the human contact that we all need and when you are in the gym or a class you are there with others and you may have a program to follow, it’s just easier to be motivated.
So how can you get focused, remain motivated, and keep fit and healthy doing the right/safe exercises during pregnancy and postnatal?
- Find an activity that you enjoy.
- Try and exercise for 30 minutes a day, mornings are often better, you have more energy and it energizes you for the day and can help lift your mood.
- Workout with a friend – socially distanced of course!
- Set aside a day when you can focus on a stretching session, to help alleviate the aches and pains and it is energizing and provides relaxation.
- Find a Pre/Postnatal Coach who can guide you on what activities are safe and effective to meet your requirements/goals.
- Ensure you are eating properly, keep a food diary. Try and plan your meals ensuring you get protein with every meal, carbs, and good fats.
- Stay hydrated, especially if you are working out.
- Get enough sleep, if you can.
- Have rest days.
- Incorporate strength training (weighted or bodyweight) and cardiovascular workouts into your training program.
- Don’t overexert yourself, don’t overheat.
Don’t be hard on yourself. If you are feeling tired and unwell, even just going for a walk is better than nothing, it’s about keeping active, and pregnancy is not a time to be overdoing things, listen to your body.
Looking after yourself is really important when you are pregnant and after you have had a baby. It will benefit you a lot from being more active, having good nutrition, and resting when you can.
