How Working Out Transformed My Mental Health
Becoming a mom is life-changing in every possible way. After having my first baby through IVF, I was overwhelmed with emotions—gratitude, love, fear, and exhaustion all rolled into one. I was terrified to leave my baby with anyone, even for a short while. I poured every ounce of myself into being a mother, but I forgot to care for myself in the process. The result? I struggled deeply with postpartum depression and anxiety. I didn’t take time to move my body, breathe, or reset. I lost pieces of myself that I didn’t know how to get back.
Fast forward to my second baby, Bella—a spontaneous, natural surprise. My mental state from the very beginning of pregnancy was different. I felt calmer, more confident, and more grounded. I promised myself I would do everything I could to make this postpartum experience healthier, happier, and more fulfilling. This time, I gave myself permission to be a mother and a woman who matters in her own body.
That promise led me back to movement. I started working out at 5 months postpartum. Whether it’s HIIT, weight training, or Pilates, working out has become more than just exercise—it’s therapy. It’s the one thing I do that’s just for me. It’s my reminder that I’m strong, that I’m capable, and that I deserve to feel good in my body and mind. Every drop of sweat is a release. Every session is a reset. Every breath I take on my mat or between reps is a moment I reclaim for myself.
And the ripple effect? It’s incredible. I show up for my girls with more energy, more joy, and more patience. I’m proud to model what it looks like to prioritize wellness and self-care. I want them to grow up knowing that being a mother doesn’t mean losing yourself—it means expanding who you are.
To anyone in the thick of the postpartum haze: be gentle with yourself. But also—fight for your joy. Take the walk. Try the class. Move your body. Do anything that’s going to make you feel like you again. Give yourself the care you give so freely to your children. You deserve that and so much more.