Why joining a mums’ fitness group may be good for your mental health

Sometimes life as a mum can be pretty overwhelming and it can seem like there is so much going on with your little person that there isn't any time left for you. The fact is, now more than ever you need to take care of yourself. As the air hostesses say: you need to fit your own oxygen mask before helping others. Did you know that around 1 in 5 women in Australia will experience depression and 1 in 3 women will experience anxiety during their lifetime? If this is your first baby, sometimes mum-life can feel a little isolating and very unlike your previous life. Joining a mums' fitness class can have many benefits, not only for your physical health but also for your mental health. Simply by choosing to attend a mums' fitness group you are going to be surrounded by other like-minded mums – many are likely battling the same challenges as you. Just being surrounded by others that are right there with you can help you to feel better. Hearing someone else talk about their current reality (lack of sleep, teething issues, sore boobs) can help you feel that you are not doing this alone. Exercise is known for the positive effects it can have on mental health. Exercise pumps blood to the brain, which can help you to think more clearly. Exercise can also increase serotonin levels – a hormone that contributes to general happiness and wellbeing. It also increases the connections between the nerve cells in the brain. This improves your memory and helps protect your brain against injury and disease. We also know that getting out of the house into fresh air and sunshine can help to lift mood and boost Vitamin D. By attending a mums' fitness class, you will also be working on strengthening your body from the inside out. When your body starts to feel stronger this can have positive effects on your mind also. Some mum-focussed fitness classes also provide on-site nanny services. This can be beneficial to mums as it can allow them to focus on their own health for a while, knowing that their little one is being well looked after. It is really important to ensure that your fitness trainer is adequately qualified as a postnatal exercise specialist to ensure you are well looked after. Body Beyond Baby is the go-to place online for women to find mum-focused fitness services that are all accredited, experienced and partnered with women’s health physios so you know you are in very safe hands. Find a trainer in your area here. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, reach out for help: PANDA — 1300 726 306 Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636   Rachel Leman is the Owner/Operator of Miss Motivator in Port Macquarie, NSW. To find out more about her and get in touch, click here. You can also find her on Instagram.   Article References https://www.panda.org.au https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-and-mental-health https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au