Having a baby is probably the most rewarding thing a woman can do in her life – it can also be the hardest. Not only do you go through weeks of sleepless nights and being vomited on regularly, but it can also take its toll on your body, particularly if you have several children. Whilst many women have bodies that bounce back fairly quickly, others, unfortunately, don’t, and it can really affect their confidence and frame of mind. Saggy boobs, excess stomach fat, and stretch marks can all play a part in creating a very difficult journey for some mothers. If you are struggling with your post-children body, here are 5 things you can do to help love yourself again.
Choose clothes which flatter your size and shape
Being realistic when choosing your clothing is a step in the right direction. You may have been a size 2 before you had children, but those days could be over, at least for the meantime anyway. If you are now a size 6, trying to squeeze into the jeans you once adored, or a top that is a size too small will do you no favors aesthetically. Wearing the right size will flatter your shape and make you feel far more confident. If you are unsure of the styles that might suit you, ask a store assistant for help or go online and order lots of outfits to try on at home.
Consider surgery
This is not for everyone and not a decision that you should take lightly. However, if you have been struggling with body confidence for many years and feel that surgery may help you feel like your old self again, it may be worth looking into. There are surgeons all over the world who specialize in many kinds of plastic surgery. Whether you are in San Francisco and considering a tummy tuck or thinking of having a breast augmentation in Toronto, there should be a clinic nearby that can help. Surgery could make your confidence soar and allow you to love your body again.
Take up running
Most sports or exercise routines are great for you, but running, in particular, is known to help your mental health too. If you are lacking in confidence, you might find that running not only helps you get in shape but makes you feel more positive. If you are unsure where to start, have a look at some of the beginners running apps available. Couch to 5k, for example, is a free 9-week training program that gradually helps you increase your stamina and recovery times. By the end of the 9 weeks, you should be able to run 5k or for 30 minutes. Running, for many, is a great outlet as it provides you time to clear your mind. Over time, your body will feel and look stronger, and the changes you see will encourage you to keep going.
Drink enough water
After having kids, your skin might not feel as tight as it once was, or you may find that lack of sleep and generally feeling tired appears to have aged you. Drinking an adequate amount of water each day can help with dehydration and will also give your energy levels a much needed boost. It’s recommended that adults drink, on average, around 2 liters of water daily. It will help you sleep, make you feel more awake in the morning, and could generally help your frame of mind. Your skin will also look more vibrant which, in turn, should make you feel far better about your appearance.
Embrace it
This may be one of the hardest options, as it will take a lot of perseverance and mental commitment from you to accept and love yourself. You must never forget the very precious and wonderful reasons for you no longer having the body that you once did. Your breasts may have changed shape because you spent hours feeding your beautiful children to help them to grow. Your stomach may be lined with stretch marks from carrying them, and your sleep-deprived face may be more wrinkled than it was only a few short years ago. The important thing to remember when you look at the ‘new you’ in the mirror, is that every line, every blemish and every change took place because of the lives that you created. What a wonderful reason to celebrate your body.
