Showing posts with label confidence & self esteem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label confidence & self esteem. Show all posts

Incorporating Exercise Into Your Busy Mum Life

The role of motherhood can feel like there is very little room left for self care, let alone exercise. However, incorporating exercise into your life not only benefits your physical health but also your mental well-being.

Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, our natural mood lifters which can help reduce stress, anxiety and improve your overall mental state.

But what if you don't have time for exercise, or truthfully you detest every type of exercise you've tried, and it feels more like torture?! Trust me, preaching to the choir here. I am NOT a sporty person, I am a lazy, cosy, stay at home person. I used to force myself to try exercise video, weight lifting videos, Zumba - and it felt SO forced, I hated it. But then I found running, something that I did actually enjoy. Yes, it's still tough, and some days I really can't be bothered - but the feeling when the endorphins hit, when you've won the challenge or goal you set yourself, the feeling is like nothing else!

Elevating Mood and Reducing Stress
Exercise is a natural stress reliever by promoting endorphins and reducing cortisol level - and as a mum, our stress levels can be so up and down! Regular physical activity offers a healthy outlet for stress. Personally, when I go for a run, it's my time to just absolutely zone out. Blast my music and not have to think about anything at all, besides the very next step. It's honestly become a really important part of my life.

Boosting Self-Confidence
The sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a workout can significantly boost self-confidence. If you are a mum who sometimes struggles having to juggle everything - achieving your personal fitness goals are an amazing reminder for just how capable, resilient and strong you really are!

Incorporating Exercise Into Your Busy Mum Life

Enhancing Mental Clarity
Physical activity increases blood flow to the brown, which can enhance cognitive function and mental clarity, which is hugely valuable for mums who need to make quick decisions and stay organised throughout the day. Perhaps this is why many people like to exercise right at the beginning of their day?

Incorporating Exercise into a Busy Mum Life
Again, it can feel like exercise is just another thing you don't have time for, but I've said it before and I'll say it again - make yourself a priority.

Start with achievable goals, such as a 15 minute exercise video on Youtube or a lunchtime walk, perhaps every other day? It doesn't have to be an intense workout, you just have to figure out what works for you, and your family - and what you enjoy!

Consistency is far far more important, than intensity. So instead of aiming for lengthy workouts, focus on short, frequent exercises that can easily fit into your day. Try and stick to it for a week, then 2 weeks and see how you feel.

Incorporating Exercise Into Your Busy Mum Life

Involve Your Children
Personally, this doesn't work for me as I like my time alone, however it's different for everyone. Why not try and incorporate your children into your exercise routine? Go for long family walks or bike rides, play active games in the park or try exercise videos together. One thing I've always wanted to do when my children were babies, was to buy a running pushchair and take them with me! 

Incorporating exercise into your life is more than just physical activity, it's an investment in your overall wellbeing, plus you are being an amazing role model to your children!

Have you found an exercise you love yet?


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How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent
Mum guilt is a common feeling among many mothers, and it can be overwhelming at times. It is that feeling of inadequacy or anxiety that mothers experience when they feel they are not doing enough for their children. This feeling can be triggered by different things, such as taking time for oneself, pursuing a career, or simply not being able to meet one's own expectations. In this article, we will explore ways of overcoming mum guilt and dealing with it in a healthy way, while also addressing how it relates to anxiety. 

The first step in overcoming mum guilt is acknowledging it. Many mothers feel guilty for feeling guilty, as if it is a sign of weakness or a reflection of their parenting abilities. However, it is important to remember that it is a natural feeling and that almost every mother experiences it at some point. Once you acknowledge your feelings of mum guilt, you can start to take action to address them. One way to deal with mum guilt is to set realistic expectations for yourself. It is common for mothers to set high standards for themselves and feel guilty when they cannot meet them. However, it is important to remember that perfection is not attainable, and it is okay to make mistakes. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.

How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent

Another way to overcome mum guilt is to practice self-care. Many mothers feel guilty for taking time for themselves, but self-care is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Taking a break, engaging in a hobby, or simply taking a nap can help you recharge and feel more present and engaged with your family. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather an important part of being a good parent.

Mum guilt can also be increased by social media and comparisons to other mothers. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to others, but it is important to remember that everyone's parenting journey is different. What works for one mother may not work for another, and it is important to focus on your own unique strengths and abilities as a parent.

How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent


When it comes to mum guilt and anxiety, it is important to address any underlying mental health issues. Anxiety can intensify feelings of guilt and make it difficult to manage. If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. 

 Another way to deal with mum guilt and anxiety is to practice mindfulness and self-compassion. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and non-judgmentally accepting one's thoughts and feelings. Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding, rather than self-criticism. By practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, you can reduce anxiety and create a more positive and accepting mindset. 

How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent

Mum guilt is a common feeling among mothers, but it is possible to overcome it. By acknowledging your feelings, setting realistic expectations, practicing self-care, avoiding comparisons, addressing underlying mental health issues, and practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, you can reduce feelings of guilt and anxiety and enjoy a more fulfilling parenting journey. 

Remember, it is okay to ask for help and to take time for yourself. 
You are doing the best you can, and that is enough.
How to Overcome Mum Guilt and Thrive as a Parent



If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 


(AD/Review) Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders
I'm so happy, Spring is finally here. I was very much over and done with Winter. It's fun for a while, when it's Christmas and then it can just leave. Winter exhausts me, makes me feel down, make my asthma worse and gives me migraines too. I am gladly welcoming the warmer, beautiful weather with open arms!

When Spring comes, its finally time to ditch the big jumpers and leggings and switch up your wardrobe with brighter colours and more fun prints! I love to live in dresses, tights and boots or trainers when Spring comes along. That's why I was so excited to be able to work with Cotton Traders and share a few pieces from their gorgeous Spring collection!


Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders

I absolutely love a good jumpsuit, they are not only flattering, but they are so comfy too! This gorgeous jumpsuit is such a delight to wear. The crinkle fabric gives it a lovely texture while the beautiful green colour makes it versatile for any occasion. The straight leg makes the jumpsuit feminine and stylish, with an elasticated waist. The jumpsuit is perfect for dressing up or dressing down, it's ridiculous comfortable, yet feminine and girly. I love it. 


Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders

Oh my goodness, this To-The-Max Shirred Jersey Maxi Dress from Cotton Traders is just gorgeous.  The shirred detail adds the perfect touch of elegance, and the soft jersey fabric is so comfortable to wear. It's perfect for both lounging around the house or dressing up for an occasion. I love the versatility of this dress! It is also ideal for layering, which we all know is a must when it comes to the unpredictable British weather! I am IN LOVE with this dress.


Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders

The Maisie Printed Crinkle Maxi Dress is just amazing. The beautiful floral print is simply gorgeous, and the crinkle fabric gives it a lovely texture and movement. The maxi length is so flattering, and the elasticated waist makes me feel so much more comfortable and confident. Plus the fluttery sleeves are just too cute. I love this dress so much!


Welcoming Spring With Gorgeous Prints From Cotton Traders

This  ¾ Sleeve Spot Print Jersey Top is perfect. I absolutely love spots and stripes and this spot print is adorable , while the jersey fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable. The ¾ sleeves are perfect for transitional weather, and the length is just right - not too short or too long. I love how versatile this top is - it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Definitely one of my new favourite tops.

I am so pleased with the quality and the look of all these items, plus all the patterns are just beautiful. Cotton Traders have impressed me again.

I loved all the products I picked from Cotton Traders #PatternPark collection. You can view their whole range at www.cottontraders.com



If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 


How To Be More Confident - 8 Easy Steps

Self Confidence is key to happiness. Low confidence in yourself affects the way you see yourself  and your ability to interact with others. A few small changes each day can boost your confidence and self esteem to make the world of difference. Try a few of these confidence boosters every day, and you'll soon notice some wonderful changes!

How To Be More Confident In 8 Easy Steps 

Smile!

Always smile! Even if you don't really feel like it, studies show that smiling during stressful times can help you to relax, lower your heart rate and blood pressure. The actual act of smiling triggers your brain into releasing feel good endorphins! 

Accept Compliments

So many people, including me, simply shrug off compliments or find it hard to accept them. You start to think that the person is 'just saying that' to make you happy. I've never been good at accepting compliments but it's something I've been working on as I struggled to believe that people were actually giving honest compliments! The truth is, the compliments are genuine! Accept it, appreciate it and feel good about it!

Have Some 'Me Time'

Everyone needs some time to themselves. It's so important to make time just for you for your own health and wellbeing. Even if it's just half an hour to sit down and drink a cup of tea! Self Care is an absolute necessity. 

How To Be More Confident - 8 Easy Steps

Say What You Like About You

This sounds like a cheesy one, but it's important. Each day 'say' or write down one new thing that you like about yourself. Create a list and refer back to it as and when you need to. Remind yourself of all the amazing things about you.

Make A Bit Of An Effort

I know some days you really don't want to do anything, some days I don't either! But making a little effort into your appearance can make such a difference. Even if you simply have a shower and get dressed! Feeling clean and in fresh clothes can make you feel so much more confidence. By no means am I saying spend ages every day getting ready or suggesting wearing loads of make up every day, but just a little bit of effort here and there.

Be Kind And Generous

Even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference to someone's life, and they will make a difference to how you view yourself as well. It is true there's no such thing as a selfless good deed, as you can't help feeling good when you are kind to others and your confidence will soar because of it!

Take Selfies

Something that has hugely helped my confidence is simply taking more photos of myself! It's viewing yourself how others see you, it's noticing the little changes as your confidence grows. Try taking a selfie everyday for a few weeks, and trust me, you'll feel so much better about yourself. 

Believe In Yourself

Decide what you want out of life, those ultimate goals and jot them down along with different ideas of how you can achieve them. Motivate yourself (using quotes, listening to podcasts, whatever works for you) Believe in yourself and smash those goals. Believe you can do it because you absolutely can.

How To Be More Confident - 8 Easy Steps

Learning to love yourself is an ongoing process. Look after you.  

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it!