When I first became a mother, I never dreamed of how rewarding yet incredibly lonely and tiring taking care of a child could be. From changing diapers to shuttling kids to activities, I felt that motherhood was getting the best of me.
Before long, I found myself wearing the same old tired yoga pants, humming cartoon theme songs, feeling drained, and out of touch with the world. Having children is supposed to be a fun and joyful experience, but it was beginning to feel isolating. What I needed were some mom friends.
A recent study showed that stay-at-home moms (SAHM) experienced more sadness, anger, depression, and less daily positive emotions than moms that worked outside of the home. I wanted to use my fitness and health care background to help other moms increase their activity level while helping to decrease the feelings of isolation, sadness, and depression.
The Trail Babes
It has been proven that physical activity is good for us and is linked to improved health, disease prevention, and increased energy and mood levels. A recent study showed that group nature walks are linked to considerably lower levels of depression and perceived stress as well as improved mental health and well-being.
The Trail Babes group was created to bring moms and their children together with other families to explore fun, healthy, and fitness-related activities within our communities and in nature. We aim to help make a positive change in our community by offering an outlet for moms to connect with new friends, find support, increase activity levels, and enjoy friendly conversations in a judgement-free outdoor environment. Our weekly planned outdoor activities are FREE and led 100% by mom volunteers.
Activities include:
- Daytime activities like stroller exercise, walking/jogging intervals, hiking, and toddler nature walks.
- Group fitness classes.
- Weekend family group activities like hikes and other outdoor family fun activities.
- Fun mom’s only activities where moms can meet and socialize with other like-minded moms.
We also encourage members to give back to our communities through group charity and volunteer opportunities. Sample service projects include participating in local 5K’s, collecting canned goods for a food bank, or clothing donations to a women’s shelter.
Western Union #ChainOfBetters
Western Union believes that when money moves, better things happen—moving money for the better means moving money for a better world while creating value for individuals, businesses, and society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuA8a15fj9g
Everyday money sent by Western Union customers can help stimulate economies and make individuals’ lives more rewarding and fulfilled. The idea that money can empower people with the opportunity to change the lives of others is what lies at the heart of the new Western Union Chain of Betters project. As the money moves around the world, creating a chain of good deeds, together we can begin to change lives in ways we could never have imagined possible. Be the next link in the Chain of Betters and prove that money moves for the better.
How would you make the world a better place for others? Enter your idea HERE by November 30th!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
That is a tough question to answer because there is no one answer. It depends on the locality and the country as to what is most needed. Trying to help as best we can is all we can do,
I completely understand! As a Mom to -soon to be- 4 babies, 4 and under it’s hard to get out!! I really appreciate getting a day of work in here and there, and spending some time with other adults! I love your exercise club! How nice of Western Union to sponsor too, I haven’t seen their name on anything in a long time and this looks like a great project!
I agree with you, there is so much about motherhood that they don’t tell you. It’s such a beautiful and rewarding role but can be lonely and difficult at times.
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I love the fact that Western Union is giving back to the community in such a big way.
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