Fatigue is real. I’ve felt it deeply — the kind that settles into your bones and makes even simple tasks feel heavy. I’m finally out of those early newborn trenches, still newborn-ish though. But if I’m being honest, the exhaustion didn’t just vanish.

My body has simply adjusted to its “new normal,” and somewhere along the way, putting myself last became second nature.

When you become a mother, your focus naturally shifts outward. You start measuring your days not by your own needs, but by the needs of those around you.

Is everyone fed? Clean? Happy? Did I sign that permission slip, wash the bottle parts, or answer that late-night text from a friend who’s also running on fumes?

Somewhere between the diapers, deadlines, and dinners, we forget that we too are human beings with needs that matter.

For years, I've heard other moms express that exhaustion was part of the job description — that they are being a good mom by giving everything they have.

We have to remember that running on empty isn’t sustainable.

When you're tired, overwhelmed, or burnt out, your patience wears thin, energy dips, and even small things can feel like mountains.

The love is always there, but it becomes harder to express when you’re depleted. That realisation can change everything.

Taking care of yourself isn’t an act of selfishness — it’s an act of preservation.

It’s a quiet promise to your family that you want to be present and strong for the long haul. Because the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

When we tend to our own wellbeing, we give our families the best version of us — the one who laughs easily, listens fully, and loves deeply.

Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as a morning stretch before the house wakes up, choosing a balanced meal over what’s most convenient, or setting aside 20 minutes for a walk instead of scrolling through your phone.

It might look like asking for help — without guilt — or saying “no” to something that drains you. Some days, it’s just giving yourself permission to rest.

Movement has been a big one for me. Not for the sake of losing weight or chasing numbers, but for reconnecting with my body — the same body that carried, birthed, and nurtured life.

There’s something empowering about rebuilding strength, about finding energy that’s been hiding beneath the fatigue.

Exercise has become less about appearance and more about resilience, both physical and emotional.

And let’s talk about mental wellness, because motherhood doesn’t just tire the body — it stretches the mind and spirit in ways few other things do.

Taking a few moments to breathe, reflect, or even journal can be just as important as any workout.

Mental rest matters. You’re not lazy for needing a break. You’re human.

I’ve learnt that showing my children what self-care looks like teaches them valuable lessons, too.

When they see me take time to rest, to move, to eat well, they learn that caring for yourself is normal and necessary.

They learn that love isn’t just about sacrifice — it’s also about balance. So to every mom reading this: please, don’t forget yourself.

The to-do lists will never truly end, but neither should your care for your own wellbeing.

You deserve moments of calm, joy, and restoration. You deserve to feel good in your own skin.

Your wellness is not a side note to your family’s story — it’s part of its foundation.

When you’re nourished, rested, and whole, everything and everyone around you benefits.

So take that walk. Eat that nourishing meal. Call that friend. Rest when you can.

You are doing an incredible job, and you deserve to feel as strong and cared for as the people you love most.

Happy Wednesday fitfam! As usual remain unapologetic about your entire fitness and wellness journey, stay true to yourself and always be honest with your efforts.

• Dre Hinds is a personal trainer, aerobic and yoga instructor and fitness “addict” with more than 20 years’ experience. She specialises in nutrition, weight and sprint training, operating out of HindsSight Fitness and Wellness at the Berkeley Cultural Centre. Contact her at absbydre@gmail.com or on 599-6683. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under @Absbydre