Here is the final mum of the series and we hear from Catherine. She talks about the all important issue of sleep and how it impacts upon an exercise journey. It is something that certainly every mum can relate to……
What was the reality of exercise with a toddler, newborn and no local family?
The reality is I’m still not doing anything consistently even now at 16 months after my second baby. When Oscar was a couple of months old I actually felt really good and he was sleeping like a dream so I joined a mums boot camp and tried to start getting back into exercise. Unfortunately I found it really hard to get the balance right and ended up constantly running myself down and getting sick! I was clearly trying to do too much and burning out.
Has it become easier as the kids have got older?
Yes and no. From about four/five months old, Oscar’s sleep went backwards and I was exhausted all the time. The amount of exercise I was doing was correlated to the amount of sleep I was getting, and for the most part there was minimal sleep and minimal exercise. It is so hard to explain how much the lack of sleep impacts everything in your life but it really, really does. In other ways it has got easier. Molly (now 4) is able to bike alongside us when we bike, run or walk so it means we can turn exercise into a family outing (but this only happens when I’m not knackered!). I do feel like I am generally active rather than the regular exerciser I used to be. I’m trying to not to put too much pressure on myself and I know that one day it will be easier (please, tell me it does!!).
Does the lack of exercise (and sleep) impact on your general well-being?
A lot!!! I really need to exercise to feel good, and I need that hour break too!! But I find it so hard to get myself out to do it whilst I am tired. In the evening when my husband is home, the kids are often tired and grumpy and so I feel guilty walking out the door. I am lucky that my husband does encourage me to get out as he knows I am nicer person after a good run or spin class!!
Was there anything you weren’t prepared for in your recovery?
A few things. Firstly how long it would take to get into any form of constant routine – we still aren’t! Secondly how long it would take before I felt like my insides weren’t going to fall out! And lastly how much I feel torn between leaving the kids when they need me and needing to prioritize my own needs, I still haven’t figured this out, tips welcome!
What advice would you give to your new mum self?
To be a good mum you need to look after yourself first! (I still need to be told this!)
Any further reflections?
Although having kids is chaotic, messy and tiring, I absolutely love it. These will certainly be some of the hardest times of my life but they are also are the best of times so I try and stay present as best I can. I also like to remind myself that I NEVER get to sit down so this absolutely counts as exercise right?!?!
Thanks so much to Catherine for sharing. I have no answers for the sleep deprivation but some good things to remember above…….
- Prioritize your needs
- Focus on what you are able to achieve
- Be present.
Thanks Catherine x