Physical and mental health link. For me, my mental health is inextricably link…

Physical and mental health link.

For me, my mental health is inextricably linked to my physical health.

It’s been that way likely all my life and after having children, I learned this fact…the hard way.

My mental health deteriorated after having kids because my coping strategies, which were largely physical activity, was taxed due to responsibilities and a crushing weight of “oh so wonderful” yet also intense motherhood. My activity / exercise/movement was constantly sacrificed and eventually it became a well known reality, proven through unfortunate grounded theory, that I don’t cope well when I don’t get enough movement. This is an understatement.

Here’s the thing I’ve learned. Unless you own a gym and / or your job is to exercise, and maybe even then, getting all the “shoulds” of exercise in is highly unlikely. If you are like most of us, we work 8 – 12 h a day of paid work and then vast unpaid work for our families making even a small amount of free time a hot commodity. The shame based approach of “just prioritize” or put yourself first mantras don’t really take into account the reality of life today. So the wicked problem is often “how do I get enough movement and manage my “off the wall” life while also holding off tears of frustration, anxiety, depression and all other human realities because I am not super human and cannot stop time?” Well, no single answer exists but how about this:

It’s the little things, everyday. Get in what you can – as you can.

I know it’s hard, but if you don’t move you will eventually die an early death or limit life options due to health issues so, figure out what is reasonable for you. Check your expectations. Maybe twice a week is what you can do, and so be it.

Walking is exercise. Yoga is exercise. Chasing the kids in the park is exercise. Going to the gym is exercise. Look, beggars can’t be choosers so accept what your realities are.

Give yourself a fu&$ing break. It’s not easy to manage work/life balance. Become aware of what works for you and aim for that.

#movement #exercise #health #healthylifestyle #selflove #selfcompassion #counseling #therapy #therapistsofinstagram #coaching

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