Morning Workout and Healing Breakthrough | January in Review
I was a total mess more than a month ago, and though it would still take some time, my disposition is now lighter and more positive. My lifestyle has also become a bit more interesting—well, not Gen Z level interesting, but my daily routine has taken a positive turn. I learned that baby steps, no matter how insignificant they may seem, are still a form of progress. Committing to early morning workout has given me something to look forward to, and I continue to learn more about self-accountability as I go.
If there’s one thing January has taught me, it’s that better days do come. Perhaps not in the most splendid way, but just enough to keep you going. So here I am, showing up again; proud of the small wins and everything I’ve accomplished over the past weeks. I learned to start my day by doing the hard work, to view each morning as an opportunity to choose between giving in to the same miserable excuses that hindered my healing, or to get up and take control of my day. I learned to shut down the negative voices in my head and drag myself out of the house.
What I Gained From Committing to Early Morning Workout
I started doing cardio and strength workouts last month, and have been hitting the gym every morning, six days a week. On days when I couldn’t make it, I still do a few routines at home to try to compensate for my compromised schedule. I didn’t want to jump into anything intense or overwhelming so I started by covering 4 to 5km every day until I regained enough stamina to add another routine to the mix, which should focus on strengthening my core.
It didn’t take long before I noticed a few yet significant improvements in my energy, endurance and other aspects of my overall well-being.
1️⃣ My body started craving quality sleep. I’ve spent most of my motherhood years working graveyard shifts which obviously led to an unhealthy sleep habit. I’m very grateful that my husband encouraged me—no, he actually pushed me—to temporarily stop working until I’m able to reset my body rhythm. After committing to my morning workout, I began craving quality sleep.
2️⃣ Less to no discomfort after meals. I tend to eat in the wee hours due to my work schedule, and this often leads to bloating and abdominal discomfort. I realized that moving my body first thing in the morning helps in improving digestion. I didn’t hop on any diet trends; my simple routine has made my stomach feel lighter and more comfortable, especially after every meal.
3️⃣ I’m literally stronger than I was last month. I’m not running 10km or lifting weights like a pro, but I don’t feel sore anymore like I used to. In fact, my body now craves movement especially in the morning, that whether or not I am in the mood to do my routine, it seems like my body has a mind of its own.
4️⃣ No menstrual cramps for the first time in a long time. I was 12 when I first experienced painful cramps, and was told it would get better after having kids but it really didn’t. I had resigned myself to the fact that Dysmenorrhea was simply a part of my monthly ordeal. I’ve had 2 full cycles since I started my morning workout but this time, I didn’t get intense cramps throughout my period. For someone who has low pain tolerance, I’d say aside from minor discomfort and feeling a little sore, I wasn’t in pain at all.
5️⃣ More balanced mood. Since exercising helps lower the body’s stress hormones, it’s no surprise that my new routine has been a tremendous boost for my mental health. And because there is a sense of accomplishment knowing that I’ve already accomplished something great before the demands of the day begin, my overall mood is lighter than usual. Not only do I feel happier, it is also easier for me to regulate my emotions and how I react to things around me.
A Glimpse of February
Since our home renovation was finally done, I am scheduled to shop for new kitchen appliances this month, which means I’d be back to doing what I love most as a mom: cooking! I know that a huge part of being healthy is to be mindful of what we eat, but it’s not as simple as throwing in veggies in every dish. There are key things to consider since our lifestyle as parents is different from our children’s lifestyle as students.
My boys leave early for school, so I need to do meal preps to make my kitchen routine more manageable. They need meals that would truly fuel them up since their activities are now more demanding compared with last year. However, I want to make sure it’s also something they would enjoy eating.
Now, I know this could complicate my chores, but I’m thinking of cooking separately for Josh and myself. Josh works night shifts, and his blood pressure sometimes spikes, while I’m focusing on losing a bit of weight while gaining muscle in the process (I know, right? Haha!). I’m reading a lot about this because I don’t want to impose a textbook “healthy” diet just because it’s, well, considered healthy. I cook out of love, and if I take the joy out of the experience, that’s just not who I am. I believe there’s always a way to make it both healthy and delicious, especially considering my family’s preferences.
Bottomline? This mama is thriving, like she always does!
Back in December, I didn’t know change was actually possible. But I was raised to show up regardless of the circumstance. That small decision to get up early one day and let the sunshine touch my face has started to transform my life. What started as an attempt to divert my negative thoughts has become a life-altering routine that helps me become a better mom. From my morning workout, to recalibrating my emotions, you can never go wrong with a little self-love. So here’s to keeping it real, embracing the process, and never underestimating the power of hard work and manifestation.
How’s your 2025 so far? Would love to hear about your journey in the comments! 💬