BeHappyMum | How to Boost your Energy to Beat the January Blues!

When you’re a new mother, it’s not uncommon to experience a dip in energy sometimes and particularly now as it’s January; well known for its short daylight, low mood and depression! Knowing this, we’ve pulled together the best pick-me-ups to help you feel brighter and more lively, to boost your energy to beat the ‘January blues’!

Exercising, socialising, reading, relaxing – all of these activities contribute to the winning strategy to beat the January blues…

So, taking into account the limitations for these activities that new mothers face (lack of time, mother & child regimes, sleep deprivation, “home arrest”…) we’ve developed 7 quick steps that will boost your energy levels right now when you’re at home with your baby or older child and feeling low.

PRECAUTION: Do check with your physician if you can exercise with these just after pregnancy.

If you’re feeling ‘blah’, then you’re probably sitting (or lying) down right now! So stay right there – and try our Lazy Day Workout ‘Feet ‘n’ Boost’ from our FitMama app! The exercises are developed for the post-pregnancy body, so they are safe to do and ideal if you wish to lose baby weight or gradually shape up after pregnancy.

First, bring your legs together and stretch them until they feel strong. Then point your toes with your legs straight and knees locked, and hold for 5 seconds.
Next, bring your toes right up for 5 seconds as if you’re trying to reach your face, keeping those legs straight.
Repeat these two moves 5 times. After that, do some slow circular movements with your feet, rolling them first outwards to make a circle, then inwards. Do this as many times as you like! Your postnatal body will appreciate it !
Feel the warmth in your feet Mums? That’s what happens when your muscles work harder!

From a sitting position, straighten your upper body and lock your fingers. Then rotate your wrists and palms outward, straighten your arms in front of you and slowly raise them up, keeping your elbows locked and shoulders down.
Breathe evenly and hold this position for 30 seconds, then gently lower your arms and relax.
Now, interlock your fingers again but with the opposite thumb on top and repeat the stretch one more time so both sides of your postnatal body have an equal workout.

There are Right & Wrong on this exercise. Do check them in our Fitmama and WellMama Apps designed especially for post pregnancy body.
Do not arch your back. Keep it straight to stretch the sides of your upper body. Are your body and arms warm now? Great! Ready to do some more?

Time to stand up!

Stand in front of something solid, like a table or kitchen worktop, then place your hands on it with your feet together.
Raise your heels and stand on tiptoes, then slowly lower your heels towards the floor, but make sure they don’t make contact.

Rise up and down on your toes 15 times. Great if you’ve been carrying or holding your baby all day or simply being a busy mum! Or if you are simply cooking in the kitchen.
This exercise is very beneficial for your legs as well as for the entire body. It is highly recommended before cardio-vascular activity. Are your legs warm now? Then let’s use them to boost your energy…

Remember how wonderful it feels (or felt!) to dance the night away with the girls? Let’s recreate that feeling right now. Go on – turn on the music. LOUD. And start dancing – it’ll increase your energy levels instantly and will entertain your children if they’re watching or joining in!

And for next time, why not use a music app to collect your favourite dance tracks in one place?

We have found you some good suggestions for apps for mothers here: Best Music Apps for for iPhone, Android & Windows and Best Music Apps for Android

Just like dancing, singing releases a whole host of feelgood hormones into your bloodstream and makes you feel great! You could sing along to your favourite songs, or try a karaoke app on your mobile device. Whichever you choose, let your child be your audience or your singing partner. Singing is very beneficial for your child early development especially for their language skills.

Find some suggestions for karaoke apps here:Top karaoke apps for iPhone and best karaoke apps for Android and iPhone

If Music isn’t your thing…then we have an easy alternative for you! If you want to get more positive emotions, open our simple PlayMama App and a play an early learning games for one year old baby, two year old child or even up to 4 years old ! Sometimes when your baby has woken you early, or you’ve had a tiring day doing everything else, the creativity just isn’t there! Enter PlayMama!

Pick baby’s ages, MOOD (!) place and play! Even tracks your baby’s 7 key skills for you (including sensory, fine motor skills and grow-motor skills) and helps you to fit that special bonding time into the day.

Now that’s what we call Mum-friendly!!!

Don’t forget to rehydrate after all that exercise – it’s been proven that even mild dehydration leads to fatigue. If plain water isn’t your thing, then ginger or citrus in hot or cold water taste great (we love hot water and lime!) and bring additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. If in post-pregnancy period you want to lose baby weight this can help you to detox your body too.

If you’re feeling a bit sluggish you can pick yourself up with these energy boosting foods and drinks

Now you’re up and raring to go, why not do something that you’ve not had the energy to do for a while? Dress you and your child up nicely and go for a walk – and don’t forget to say ‘Hi!’ to someone you don’t know! Invite some friends over (quickest way to get the house tidy!). Or phone someone for a long chat. Have a nice day!

If you like these easy home exercises don’t forget to download FitMama for free, Just pick your time, body area and pace and start your 5 minutes a day of exercise to lose baby weight at home around your normal routine!

Re-energized? In the mood for something different or in desperate need to find a new activity for you and the kids? Find some inspiration from our Pinterest, from sensory play activities for babies and kids to delicious no-bake treats to craft ideas and tonnes more!

Stay Energized Mum!

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