Honestly, the postpartum phase can feel like a complete whirlwind. After nine months of pregnancy and the intense experience of childbirth, it’s totally normal to want to feel like yourself again—healthy, strong, and energized. Besides, you should embrace the postpartum body anyway; it’s a reminder that you grew a human! Now, at the same time, there are those unhealthy aspects, like sleepless nights, endless feeding sessions, and adjusting to life with a newborn.
So, obviously, getting back on track can feel a bit overwhelming. But regardless, you really need to get yourself back to feeling healthy again. So, with all of that said, here are some simple ways to help you feel healthy and balanced again during postpartum.
Ease Back into Movement
Now, it’s so important to understand that getting back into exercise might not be at the top of your list right now. But even gentle movement can do wonders for your body and mind. No one’s expecting you to dive into intense workouts right after giving birth. Actually, it’s something you shouldn’t even be doing in the first place.
So, instead, start with easy activities like walking, stretching, or postpartum yoga. But why these? Well, these low-impact movements can help rebuild your strength and boost your energy without pushing your body too hard. Overall, the goal is to listen to your body and take things slow. As you gradually regain your strength, you’ll find that movement helps you feel more energized and less stressed, making it a great tool for both physical and mental well-being.
Nourish Your Body with the Right Foods
Okay, so here’s something else you really need to keep in mind: what you eat during postpartum plays a huge role in how you feel. Your body is still healing, and if you’re breastfeeding, you’re also fueling your baby.
So, it’s important to nourish yourself with foods that provide the energy and nutrients you need. While it’s easy to grab whatever’s quick and convenient (we’ve all been there!), making an effort to eat nutrient-rich foods can have a big impact.
It’s really about eating the basics, so you’re going to want to just go ahead and focus on things like fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Besides, if you’re thinking about losing some baby weight, you’re going to need to eat these too. But overall, there are plenty of foods to eat for weight loss that can help support your goals without feeling restrictive.
Get Rest When You Can
Sleep is one of the toughest things to manage during postpartum, but it’s key to feeling healthy again. Basically, getting a lack of sleep means that everything is going to be affected. Yes, you read that right! You can count on your mood, your metabolism, and your energy levels. While it might not be possible to get a full eight hours, just try to sneak in rest when you can, even if it’s just a nap during the day.
But by all means, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Your body is still in recovery mode, and getting as much rest as possible will make a huge difference in how you feel.
Stay Hydrated
While this one sounds super generic, it really can’t be further from the truth. It’s one of the most simplistic things you can do for yourself. All you need to do is keep drinking water since this is going to help everything run smoothly for your digestive tract (and for breastfeeding, too).