- Clare Bowers
The Active Mum
As you modify your thoughts, it’s important to do this for
your body too, and be mindful that staying physically active
does help.

When you’re pregnant, it can feel like you can’t do half the
stuff you used to do. But many women have carried on with
their usual activities, including exercise routines and felt
amazing during pregnancy. Yes, they lowered it down to suit
what they felt comfortable with and taking on board any
medical guidance, but they never give up because it was one
of the things they enjoyed doing, and a major part of their
identity. They knew that if they didn’t do it, they would feel
lost, which I can one hundred percent relate to.
Never give up on something you love. Obviously, you have to
risk assess physical activity and consult a professional, but it
can be done. I didn't start new activities during pregnancy. I
took long walks, as I always had, and that kept me sane and
active.
But you might have to compromise in some areas. I made
some big decisions during that third pregnancy. I decided to
stop horse riding. Little did I know that I was going to make
the decision to sell both of my horses soon after my daughter
was born. But by then I knew that staying healthy and
keeping my identity was about not trying to have everything.
And this was healthier for everyone.
As good as I am at balancing and organising my life and my
family’s, I couldn’t commit the time that both of the horses
needed and deserved. As much as it hurt me to sell two
important parts of my life that allowed me to feel carefree and
empowered, I had made the right decision.
Shortly after letting go of something that you love, whether
this is a hobby or a relationship, you can start to feel empty
and useless. I didn't feel like that with this decision because, as
we all know, caring for a baby is a full time role, so I was very
content with knowing I did the right thing.
Along with mindfulness and physical activity leading to more
rational decisions and thinking, I found writing a journal
helped. Your mind is clouded from all of the bubbles building
up from unwanted thoughts and feelings. Writing allows you
to open up without the fear of rejection or disapproval. A
journal can’t tell you that you’re being silly or that you will get
over it; it simply soaks your words into its pages and allows
you to pour out your deepest feelings and without any
judgement. It won’t make you feel like you’re giving in or
giving up. Because you’re not.
Always here.
Clare.