Another page of Emily’s journal, where she opens up about a daily struggle that many of us can relate to – finding the time and motivation to move.

Dear Diary,

OH MY BACK HAS BEEN HURTING! OUCH! I had to get up from my desk and I couldn’t sit there anymore! So what did I do? I found myself taking a simple walk around the outside of my office building. It sounds so basic, right? Just a few minutes of movement, a brief escape from my desk, but oh my, the impact it had on my mood was unexpectedly profound.

Movement – something that seems so simple, yet in the hustle and bustle of life, it’s often pushed to the back burner. We’re constantly on the move, yes, but not in the way that truly benefits us. Sitting in cars, parked behind desks – this is our life now!

As I walked, I couldn’t help but wonder why such a seemingly easy task feels so hard to accomplish. The benefits of movement are well-known – improved mood, increased energy, reduced stress – the list goes on. But still, there’s an invisible barrier that makes even a short stroll feel like a big task. I seriously was NOT going to get up and walk outside my office!! Until the little lightbulb flashed!

Now why don’t I move a little more? Life gets in the way, I suppose. The never-ending to-do lists, the responsibilities, the endless meetings – it’s as if the concept of movement is confined to our scheduled exercise time. But what about those moments when we need a quick boost, a little break to recalibrate our minds? Why does it feel so difficult to prioritize those moments?

Today, though, I decided to break free from that cycle. It wasn’t a grand expedition; just a short walk around the block. But let me tell you – the fresh air, the change of scenery, the simple act of moving my body – it worked wonders on my mood. It was like a brief escape, a respite from the demands of the day.

And here’s a little tidbit that motivated me – I recently stumbled upon an article about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Apparently, exercise can have a positive impact on the development of the fetal brain. Isn’t that incredible? The thought that something as simple as moving my body could potentially benefit my growing baby’s brain development filled me with awe.

It’s strange how knowledge can sometimes be the catalyst we need. With this newfound insight, I felt an extra nudge to prioritize movement, not just for myself, but for the little one growing within me.

As I write this, I can’t help but think about how many times I’ve heard the phrase “you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.” And it’s true – I need to remember that prioritizing my own well-being is not just about me. It’s about creating a healthy foundation for my baby, both physically and emotionally.

So, here’s to more walks, more breaks, and more movement. May these simple moments of self-care ripple through my life and shape the life I’m nurturing within me.

Till next time,

Emily

Remember, sometimes the simplest acts of self-care can have a profound impact on your well-being and the well-being of your growing child. Prioritizing movement isn’t just about physical health; it’s a way to infuse positivity, energy, and a sense of connection into your journey of parenthood.