How Exercise Makes Me a Better Mom

When I started writing this blog post, it was titled, “Why exercising makes You a better mom.” But then I thought, really? How can I say it makes You a better mom? I don’t know that. The only thing I know for sure is that Exercise Makes Me a Better Mom.

Why you might ask? For so many reasons. Before I go into them, I thought I’d share a little bit about my journey with exercise.

I started working out at about 19 years old. The reason for it is that my family has struggled with weight for a long time. I grew up seeing that struggle, seeing the different diets for weight loss and when I was old enough I knew that I wanted to avoid that struggle if possible.

I’m 40 now and even though I’ve been working out for more than 20 years, it’s been in the last few years that I have come to understand why exercise  is so important to me, my life and my well-being.

From talking to other people, I’ve realized that exercise has benefited them in so many ways as well, so it really can make a difference in everyone’s lives.  Today I am sharing  Why Exercise Makes Me a Better Mom.

9 Ways Exercise Makes Me a Better Mom

Why Working Out Makes Me a Better Mom

It makes me Happier
This is the biggest one. As soon as my workout is done, I can feel a difference in my attitude. I feel energized, I feel ready for the day and I’m so much happier! That’s why I try and start at least 5 days of the week with a morning workout.

It gives me a little time to myself everyday
That 45 minutes to an hour where I’m exercising gives me some time to myself. I can focus on me, I can think and just do something for myself, we all need that.

It gives me more energy (adrenaline rush)
There’s a serious adrenaline rush after exercising, which is great first thing in the morning. When I get back home, I’m rearing to get the kids ready for school, making breakfast and lunches and sometime I just can’t stop talking about everything going on in my head, (my husband can attest to that one.)

9 Ways Exercise Makes Me a Better Mom

Helps with depression
If any of you have suffered from the blues or depression, exercise is huge in helping with that. Depression is something that runs in our family and it’s something I’ve dealt with since I was a teenager. In the last few years, I’ve come to realize that exercising is almost like a medicine for me when it comes to depression.The longer I take a break from exercise , the more down I feel.

Makes me healthier and stronger
This isn’t just me, it’s anyone. Regular exercise has shown to let you live a longer and healthier life. It also makes you stronger and you can do more for yourself, your family, at work and even around the house. You just need to find something you like, whether it’s step class, personal training, tennis, hiking, weight lifting, walking, zumba, soccer. If you enjoy it, you’re more likely to do it on a regular basis.

Why I'm A Better Mom When I Exercise

It gives me more patience
When I haven’t exercised for a few days or I’ve been sick, I can feel the difference in the way I react, to everything. No exercise for a while means I’m quicker to lose patience with the kids. When I’m in my regular routine, I have the patience to talk to them calmly and rationally rather than snapping or yelling at them. I really don’t like doing that and it does happen.

Being a good role model
By exercising on a regular basis, I am showing and teaching the kids the importance of being active and healthy in your daily life. And kids learn the best by example.

Motivation
A good daily workout gives me more motivation in my everyday tasks. It makes me feel excited and motivated to complete my to do lists and tasks for the day and I do it with more gusto.

It makes me feel better about myself
And last but definitely not least, exercise makes me feel better about myself. I may not be at my pre-baby weight or how I was before kids but I’m proud of myself for working out regularly and about how I look and that all comes from a healthy lifestyle.
Very recently, I got rid of my scale and stopped counting calories and it had an amazing effect on me. I felt like a figurative weight was lifted off my shoulders. I no longer let the number on the scale dictate how I feel about myself.

Do you think exercise makes you feel better about yourself. Does exercising make you a better mom or person?

8 thoughts on “How Exercise Makes Me a Better Mom

  1. This post speaks to me on so many levels. Ive come across many clients who have focused on the scale and time and time again, it has failed them. It makes me so happy that you are putting exercise first because it makes you feel good. Thanks for spreading the word. ❤

    1. You’re right Akasha, age shouldn’t matter when it comes to being healthy and feeling good about yourself. And thank you 🙂

  2. I couldn’t agree more with this post!! I definitely want to be a good healthy role model for my daughter and want to make sure she is active in any and all ways. The only way to do that is for me to take care of myself as well. I do go through ups and downs with my workouts, but I almost ALWAYS feel a lot better once I’m back on track.
    Btw, you look absolutely amazing!!

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