Movement is a major part of my healing journey that oftentimes is not shared.

When my husband was deployed and I felt like I was mentally and emotionally drowning I felt an intense amount of loneliness, agitation, anger, and rage, as well as losing my appetite. After having my first son I walked A LOT, and it was extremely helpful. This was my time to get out of the house (even though I was with the baby), be amongst nature, take in fresh air, and move my body. I also focused on what foods I was putting into my body. 

As a mom who gained an extensive amount of weight during her pregnancies, I typically shy away from conversations about weight, body image, and pre and postpartum bodies as I don’t believe in snap-back culture. I despise it. I acknowledge that I may feel this way because I did not ‘snap back’ after having my kids and instead had to put a lot of time, effort, and dedication into my fitness routine.

However, omitting a critical part of my story is not helpful for others searching for ways to feel better. I struggled during my husband’s deployment after having my second son. So, in addition to the support from family and friends, I decided to join a fitness community called Eager 2 Motivate aka E2M.

I remembered how much my past walks and exercise helped after I had my first son, so I decided to sign up in January 2022 to kick-start my movement journey again. During this time my brain was foggy, I was extremely tired, experiencing decision fatigue, and not eating. E2M provided a meal plan, workout regiment, and allowed me to connect with friends and former classmates who are in the program.

I LOVED it then and I still LOVE it now.

You don’t have to join a program as intense as E2M; however, there is a connection between our mental, physical, and spiritual health. So,  if you’re pressed for time sprinkle 5 minutes of movement throughout your day. 5-minutes of intentional or what some might call dynamic movement can reduce stress, improve your mood, reduce tiredness, increase focus, and improve stamina.

For the next 21 days, I encourage you to join me for a mindful movement challenge by moving your body intentionally for 5 minutes a day. This can be going for a walk, running around with your kiddos, parking farther away at the grocery store, starting the morning with a stretch, walking during a meeting, or having a dance party.

I started the challenge by walking around my neighborhood while talking to my mom. I plan to post every day in my IG stories using the hashtags #mindful5 and #weare1in5. If you want to join me tag me @whoamama_blog, use the hashtags, or send me a DM. I’m excited to see what effect movement has on your life. 

Copyright Statement
© Prepared to Prosper and Patience Riley, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Patience Riley and Prepared to Prosper with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. A request can be made by emailing info@whoamamas.com.  

Disclaimer
The content on this website and blog are for informational purposes only. Prepared to Prosper, LLC and Patience Riley assume no responsibility for how you use any information or documentation provided through this site. Nothing contained on the site shall constitute as professional advice or substitute treatment. None of the information available on this site shall be construed as an endorsement, guarantee, representation or warranty with respect to any therapeutic practitioner or treatment.