Mum guilt and the juggle of mum life
Caitlyn Davey • April 2, 2025
It’s always there, lingering in the back of every mother's mind—“mum guilt.”
Most days, we feel it: the judgment we perceive as mums and as parents, the guilt for putting ourselves first, and the negative self-talk that creeps in.
We all experience the pressure:
- Trying to keep as many balls in the air as possible
- Racing around day after day
- Meeting everyone else’s needs: school drop-offs, pick-ups, after-school activities—the list goes on.
Why I Make Time for the Gym
Despite the chaos, there’s one thing I do for myself every day:
I
make the time to go to the gym and
train.
That hour is my time to be selfish.
Don't get me wrong—I still feel guilty.
Sometimes I have to:
- Wake my children early
- Rush them out the door
—just to make it to class on time.
But the other option would be to put myself last.
And honestly—why should I?
I Need This—For Me and for Them
It's simple:
- I need it for my sanity.
- I need to surround myself with others who are just like me—sometimes struggling with similar situations.
I’ve often heard comments like:
"You take the kids to the gym at 7am?"
"You have to wake them up just to go to the gym?"
And my answer is always: YES, I do.
Why? Because if I didn’t:
- My needs, my health, my fitness, my goals would be pushed further and further down the endless list of things I’m trying to squeeze into a day.
(FYI: School days are short!)
A Better Version of Myself
I am a better version of myself when I spend one hour a day focusing on me.
And honestly—who doesn’t want to be a better version of themselves?
Taking that time doesn’t make me a bad mum.
It makes me a
happier, healthier, stronger mum—and that’s something my children benefit from too.
Previous Blogs
When the mornings are darker, the beds are warmer, and the rain seems endless, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll get back to the gym next week. But here’s the truth—winter isn’t a reason to pause your progress. It’s the season that separates the stop-starters from the ones who truly transform. When the mornings are darker, the beds are warmer, and the rain seems endless, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll get back to the gym next week. But here’s the truth—winter isn’t a reason to pause your progress. It’s the season that separates the stop-starters from the ones who truly transform. At Rebuild, we know that consistency—especially when it’s hard—is what drives real change. So let’s talk about why winter consistency matters, what it does for your body and mind, and how to make sure you keep showing up. Why Consistency in Winter is Crucial Your body doesn’t know it’s winter. It only knows what you do. Skipping weeks at a time means reversing hard-earned progress, both physically and mentally. Research shows that regular strength training improves insulin sensitivity, bone density, and cardiovascular health—even more so when done consistently over time (Westcott, 2012). Momentum matters. Winter is also when stress, low mood, and fatigue creep in for many of us. Exercise has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, thanks to the release of endorphins and the regulation of stress hormones like cortisol (Harvard Health, 2021). So if you're feeling flat—this is the time to move, not pull back. How Staying Active in Winter Helps You Long-Term You avoid the restart trap Every time you stop, it takes longer to get back to where you were. Consistent training keeps your baseline high and avoids the start-again cycle that leaves you feeling frustrated. You build real discipline Motivation will come and go. But the ability to show up regardless—that’s discipline. And discipline spills over into every part of life: work, family, even how you show up for yourself. You’re ahead come spring Want to feel strong, energised, and confident when the layers come off? That starts now. While others are hibernating, you’re laying the groundwork. How to Stay Consistent When It’s Cold and Dark Set a realistic routine Don’t aim for perfection—aim for doable. Three sessions a week with intention is better than chasing five and quitting by June. Train with people who lift you up Community keeps you accountable. It’s easier to leave the house when you know someone’s expecting you. At Rebuild, you're never training alone. Track your progress Strength, reps, conditioning—see the data change. That’s motivation you can measure. Focus on how it makes you feel Training isn’t just for summer bodies. It’s for better sleep, less stress, more patience with the kids, and feeling like you again. Winter isn’t the enemy. It’s the proving ground. So show up. Not just for summer. Not just for weight loss. But for strength, stability, and the version of you that doesn’t give up when it gets hard. We’ll be here, with the lights on, the music up, and a team that’s ready to help you stay consistent—whatever the weather.
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