Discover 5 Mood Boosting Activities for Mothers in the Immediate Postpartum Period

For many women, the immediate postpartum period is a challenging time that can leave them feeling overwhelmed. The intense hormonal changes and sleepless nights can impact your physical and emotional post birth recovery which is why its vital that you are able to fit in activities that are gentle and easy and can provide enough of a mood boost so that you can find moments to enjoy motherhood during this time. Here are some that you may find useful

Yoga: Finding Balance and Inner Peace

Yoga can provide you with a way to reconnect with your body after childbirth if you are well enough to do this. It focuses on breathing, gentle stretches and mindfulness that are all known to help enhance mental clarity and promote relaxation. Making time for 10-15 minutes of yoga each day can help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality, another option would be to search for local pregnancy and postpartum yoga that is tailored for new mothers.

Find a quiet place for relaxation and breathing

Exercise: Boosting Endorphins for Enhanced Mood

Physical exercise is a proven way to enhance mood. Going for a walk helps release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, which can help to regulate your mood post partum. Finding time for exercise can pose a challenge so try to focus on short bursts of activity rather than long periods of exercise. Baby wearing or walking with your baby in a pushchair for 10-15mins a day (even if it means just going round the block) can really help build some structure into your day too.

Joining a postpartum exercise class/group can foster connections with other mothers, providing you with support and motivation.

A walk a day can help you to re-energise in those early weeks post partum

Prayer: Connecting with Spirituality

For many, prayer serves as a strong source of inner strength, comfort and connection. Taking time to pray can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety, especially during a confusing and difficult time.

Establishing specific moments for prayer/reflection can bring structure to days filled with unpredictability. For example, starting or ending the day with five minutes of reflection can create a calmer mindset that allows you to focus on your feelings and faith.

Whether its prayer, meditation, journaling or simply quiet reflection that works for you, use it to provide you with "grounding" to help you to de-stress in that moment.

A lit candle can provide a moment of focus and reflection

Skin-to-Skin Contact: The Power of Touch

Skin-to-skin contact with your baby or your partner, child or loved one can help regulate your mood by releasing oxytocin. It can be in the form of having your baby on your bare chest or simply holding hands or hugging and kissing your child on their forehead and breathing in their scent. You don't need to "make time" for this, rather do it consciously. Oxytocin helps to build connections with those around us, these connections are vital in helping us to feel loved and safe.

Sitting on the sofa and having cuddles with your family boosts oxytocin and connection for all

Talking to Loved Ones: The Importance of Connection

While it can be really difficult to open up to those around you about what you are feeling in that immediate post partum period, not reaching out to friends and family can leave you isolated. Connecting with others and sharing your feelings whether in person or virtually can help you to alleviate the weight of daily challenges

We know that maintaining social connections can enhance mood and so simple things such as scheduling regular phone calls or video chats with loved ones can transform a hectic day into a more manageable one.

It is okay to ask for help and support

Embracing the Journey Ahead

Transitioning through the immediate postpartum period which is why you should try integrating these five mood-boosting activities into your life to help start boosting your mood and practising self care. Take small steps and remember that each day is a new opportunity for joy and connection.

Remember that if you are suffering with your mood and your symptoms are worsening that you may benefit from reaching out for professional support so speak to your GP/Health Visitor for onward referral to support services locally.