Body After Baby
What's the best thing you can do after having a baby? Forget your pre-pregnancy clothes for a while and appreciate your body for the incredible job it's done. Most women gain around 14 kilograms during pregnancy; two-thirds of this comes off naturally in the few months following the birth of your bub.
Once you're ready to return to exercise, remember to take it slow. "For the first six weeks after the birth, stick to very light exercise such as walking the baby in the pram or gentle stretches while sitting on a Fitball," says Philip Foster, fitness director at our club in Holland Park. For the first three months, Philip recommends low impact exercise, such as walking, yoga, Pilates, cycling or swimming. "If you consistently exercise you will get your shape back – so be patient and kind to yourself so that you can enjoy this special time with your baby."
Love Your Life
Do you only have two speeds in life: full-steam ahead and asleep? It could be time to take some time out to rethink your lifestyle. A more flexible approach can help you nurture your career, relationships and yourself. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Take a sabbatical, whether it's a holiday, leave without pay, long-service leave or a new organisation with a more laid-back work culture.
Consciously slow down. Actively reducing the pace at which you do things will help you find a more balanced middle ground.
Pass on perfection. Leave the breakfast dishes, bed making or bill paying for another day if you're too tired or late for work. In your down time, forgot your "to do" list and give yourself a chance to sleep in, visit a friend, an art gallery or your favourite park.
Enjoy the good times. Don't let your stress hijack the good things in life, whatever they may be: focus on what you're doing, thinking and feeling at that moment.
Close your eyes and meditate in a quiet place. Take a walk, listen to music, paint or write regularly in a journal. Seek out opportunities for "you time", particularly if you can get outdoors at the same time.