Ladies trying to get back into it post-miscarriage

Hi there,

Sorry to hear that you miscarried, you might have a tough few months ahead emotionally.
When I miscarried it was a bit different as I wasn't even sure I wanted a baby. I didn't really feel anything but relief.
It may be different for you though so make sure that you look after yourself, talk it out with someone.
Physically I would speak to your GP to make sure you're well enough for exercise.
I took about two months off just to heal and to let myself relax and recuperate. Start slowly and work your way up.

These ideas have been shared about a million times before but here are the motivation tips that work best for me-

Pack your gym bag the night before, in fact, get everything for the new day ready the night before.
I have all of my things laid out in a semi- order so I can get up, get dressed and pick up my bags to go.

Get Spotify or download a bunch of music and prepare a kick *kitten* playlist. I love listening to things I generally wouldn't, maybe pop rubbish that gives me a sense of nostalgia (for example today it was Destiny's Child, Survivor album. Yesterday I went back through the life and times of Britney Spears. Make it fun!)

Give yourself lots of time before and after your work out if you are going to the gym. You don't want to feel rushed and stressed every time. I actually feel pretty relaxed at the gym because I get there early enough to get changed and get to my class /PT in time. Afterwards if you have time you can take a nice long shower and have time to fix your hair into something other than 'messy post workout bun'. It makes a difference.

Stay motivated through fitness communities like this one! I love coming to places like this when I am craving chocolate or when 'the voices' are trying to talk me out of going to the gym, because it is distracting and because its a reminder that everyone here is on the same path as you. Pinterest is good for idle motivation too, as well as some great eating tips.

These are a few of the motivational tools I use every day to get my butt to the gym. I'm not a pro or at a particularly high level of fitness (yet) but am an expert at being lazy and learning how to trick myself into doing things. If you find a trick that works for you, use it. Then find another and another until you realise that exercise has become a habit.

Go you!!!!!!

First, I want to say I am so very sorry for your loss. It's not been *that* long since the loss, and it's natural that you're still going to have some bad days. It's ok. It's ok to grieve. It' ok to still be upset, and feel down. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that you need to feel, BUT don't get caught up in them. Everyone needs and deserves to grieve a loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there's no *time* limit on grieving. With that said, it's not something you want to take over your life, that's what I mean by *don't get caught up in it*. You've been doing well by getting up and out, starting to exercise and take charge of your health. This is a VERY positive thing, not only for your physical health, but mental and emotional as well.

On days that you're feeling sad, or down, allow yourself to feel that. Realize that it's ok to be sad. You've suffered a loss, and it's ok to hurt, this was painful, and life-changing. We don't understand why things like this happen, BUT despite the horrible hurt and pain, we have to keep going. After you've acknowledged that you're feeling sad, and hurting, go for a walk. Depending upon where you live, if you're able, walk around your block (or if you need to, drive to a park, or somewhere that you're able to walk in a nice, safe, peaceful setting). Notice a few things while you're walking. Maybe look up at the trees, and notice their beauty, or hear the singing of the birds, there might be a nice breeze blowing that cools you when you need it, or it might be a nice sunny day. These are just small things to take notice of, and while you're walking, make a mental note of some things you're thankful for,

I've never experienced a miscarriage, but I am a trauma survivor, and spent several years in therapy. That was one of the things that was suggested to me by my therapist when I was triggered- to go out for a walk if I was able (weather permitting), and to think about things around me that brought me happiness that I saw, or to think of things/people that I was thankful for. It really did make a big difference. Having coping skills has made a huge difference in my life. If you do find that you're struggling, and it's more than just a motivation situation with exercise, there's no shame in reaching out for help. Regardless, best wishes. Please keep us posted!

Sorry for your loss. Be aware of the fact that you may have a post partum depression. That is what happened to me. I never had been depressed before and did not understand what was happening to me. Your body and your hormones are reacting like after a full term pregnancy.

Thank you! I am sorry for your loss as well. I actually never even thought of postpartum depression for some reason, I'm not sure why I haven't. Thank you for mentioning that. I am going to speak with my family doctor, my ob/gyn is a great dr. but never really seemed to be too concerned with anything post miscarriage.

Unfortunately I have not met GPs and Gyns who are very knowledgeable about depression, so be careful. And be very careful about any medication they may prescribe, the side effects maybe worse than the original problem.

My miscarriages were many years ago and I had several. They were due to the fact that I am Rhesus negative and nobody considered that fact. When finally the light bulb went on, I was so worn out by the many miscarriages that I did not want to try anymore.

Hi, I am so so sorry for your loss. I can't put myself in your shoes but I think I have an idea of how you might feel. I lost my baby at 4.5 months in July this year. I've found life very difficult and overwhelming since then, but last Saturday I went to a counselor. I went because my husband and my mother insisted that I needed to. I hadn't gone yet because I had never been to one and was afraid of talking about it, like it was just too huge for me to even talk about, particularly with a stranger. I'm so glad I went though, it's opened up my mind a bit, just enough to start picking myself up again and feel like I can begin to cope with life and my grief. She helped me to understand it was okay to grieve and feel sad, and to take the time that I need to for myself. I'm not better, but I feel like there's some light at the end of the tunnel, and for me counselling will help me get there.
This week, I'm putting focus on myself. I've carved out some time to exercise, whether it's at home or going for a walk. I did half hour of an exercise dvd today, and I know it's not much but I'll keep doing that regularly and make them longer. I liked it, I focused on just exercising, and I think it cleared my head, but also made me feel like I was doing something for myself.
I've got my mother to babysit, just so I can sit down and think about how I feel. I've spent some of that time crying, but I know that's ok, I need to do that. I don't think it's a case of moving on, it's just building your life back up again and getting there slowly.
I don't know if any of this helps, but I hope that you find your way and you feel better soon:flowerforyou: