Exercise and postnatal depression

New mothers are often encouraged to adopt an exercise regime to help in physical and mental healing (Photo: Shutterstock)

Postnatal depression is a mental illness that affects mothers who have given birth. It can occur immediately or after months. It is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, disliking the baby, being unable to breastfeed, having a hard time bonding, hallucinations and stress, among others. Once you have been diagnosed with postpartum depression, aside from medication and support, you are encouraged to adopt an exercising regime to help your healing process. Here's why. 

It makes you feel good 

An exercise routine will help you to have a faster heart rate and release good hormones. Since postpartum depression brings with it shifting mood swings, you can bring this to a balance once you get your exercise going. You can join a group of mums who do it, attend gym classes or do the sessions at home. Not only work out exercises are to go by, but also dancing. Engaging in learning a dance will be involved and give you the exercise experience you need to feel better. 

Manages weight 

We all know how the baby fat can actually make you look ten years older. During pregnancy, women gain weight and it proves to be challenging to shed it off. If you are going through shaming, your chances of postpartum depression heighten. However, exercise can help you overcome this challenge. Be sure to consult with your doctor on how soon you can begin exercising since it is dependent on your method of birth and how long ago your delivered. All in all, being confident in your body relieves you of the unworthy feelings you may have that accelerate your postpartum depression rise rate. 

Stimulates your brain 

Exercise has been proven over the years to be able to make people feel more like themselves. This is so from the stimulus it gives the person. You'll find yourself enjoying the exercise sessions as they will be stimulating your brain. It also helps relieve the forgetfulness that comes with becoming a mother, all which are frustrations that lead to postpartum depression. 

Gives you purpose

There's something magical about how exercising gives someone purpose and something to look forward to. When you are consistent, you'll find yourself anticipating to go to exercise. As such, the postpartum depression symptoms will be relieved since you'll have a sense of purpose or something to enjoy.

Try our exercising today and get yourself off the chains of postpartum depression.