Introduction:
Being a mum is one of the most rewarding yet exhausting roles I’ve ever had. A whirlwind of newborn snuggles, night feeds, days feeds, nappies, the round-the-clock care a little human needs. Balancing motherhood and then on top of that you are juggling everything else that life throws at you; the dogs, housework, earning a living to pay the bills, the list is so endless it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. In fact, many of us are in the habit of completely neglecting our own needs. WE NEED TO STOP DOING THIS!
But what if I told you that scaling rocky cliffs has helped me reclaim my sense of self? For me, rock climbing is more than just an adventure—it’s an essential form of self-care that helps me show up as the best version of myself, both as a mum and as an individual.

Climbing Provides a Physical and Mental Break:
For me my brain never shuts up, it’s something I’ve struggled with all my life. The constant ongoing monolog, the worrying about everything. Even the worrying about worrying. And then along comes a little tiny human being who is part of you, who needs you and relies on you completely, one hundred percent.
I’ve learnt when I’m sedentary and eat too much bad food, my mental health takes a major nose dive. Our bodies are designed to move, our minds are designed to think and focus, problem solve and create and the food we eat fuels them both.
If we don’t put fuel in our car, if we don’t look after it – make sure there is oil, full tires, working parts – how can we expect it not to eventually conk out on us, probably when we REALLY need it NOT to – somewhere on the busy M8 – probably on the Kingston bridge, at rush hour, where there is no hard shoulder. When we REALLY need to get to where we are going….. yep….that’s sod law for you. This is exactly what can happen to us too. If we do not care for our body – give it the nutrition and fuel it needs to keep it running smoothly both physically and mentally, if we don’t allow it to have time to rest and recharge, and equally if we just let it sit and not run it from time to time. Eventually our body and mind will conk out too.
I’ve tried different forms of meditation and relaxation to cut out the brain c***. But climbing is one of the only, if not the only, activity where I can truly be in the moment. Every move, every grip, and every foot placement requires full attention, focus and precision. It’s like hitting ‘reset’ on my mind. It forces me to be present—something that’s often hard to do. It makes my brain relax.

Climbing Builds Confidence and Resilience:
When we started thinking about having a child (and when I was deciding whether I wanted to go through IVF or not), I worried that having a child will stop all the things I love – like climbing. At the time I struggled to find any positive stories, blogs or information online where others had successfully had a fulfilling career as a climber, and as a Mum (now there has been a baby boom in the professional climbing community which is great!). It was mostly ‘oh you won’t have the time anymore’ or ‘when you have a child you won’t want to do anything with risk involved’. When in fact, having a child has made a massive positive impact upon my climbing head-game. I was more determined to combine the two, which gave me more focus when I was climbing and cut out so much of that head-game fear I had previously.
Just like motherhood, rock climbing isn’t always smooth sailing. There are moments of frustration when the climb feels impossible, but with each success, no matter how small, I feel stronger. Overcoming challenges on the wall has made me more resilient, and it’s helped me tackle life’s everyday challenges with a new sense of confidence.
Doing what you love – whatever that may be, makes you a happier and healthier person, which can only make you a better parent.

Time for Yourself (Without Guilt):
For so many mums, the idea of taking time for ourselves can bring up feelings of guilt. It’s this horrible pull from both directions. The need to get away for some time for yourself and the need to be there for your baby. But I’m learning that climbing isn’t just ‘me time’—it’s time I need to recharge to be a better person. I always feel guilty leaving and when I’m away, even for just an hour or two I’m already emotionally running back to him. I enjoy those moments away but the thought of being back with him makes my blood run faster and my heart lift with joy. I miss him and want to be back with him. I hate leaving but LOVE coming back to him.
However – what I have found, despite never really wanting to leave him, and missing him, I enjoy those moments in a totally different way. And when I come back home, I’m more energetic, focused, and present with my child.
It’s not selfish; it’s necessary for my mental and emotional health. Something we all need to recognise and find ways to improve – parents or not.

A Supportive Community:
The climbing community has been an unexpected source of support. Whether it’s the other mums who understand the challenges of balancing family life with personal passions, or the mentors who cheer me on, climbing has introduced me to a group of people who inspire me to keep climbing—literally and figuratively. Rock climbing is a great example of life – it is hard, it is painful, it is scary, it is satisfying, it is rewarding, it can be utterly pointless and yet absolutely meaningful all at the same time. Other climbers understand that; they understand the peace in your mind whilst you’re moving, almost dancing a slow flow up towards the sky. They push me, encourage me, support me in more ways than I could imagine.

The Long-Term Benefits of Climbing for Mums:
Climbing has always been a part of my life, even when for a long time I didn’t climb (a dark time in my life). Now, climbing has become an essential part of my self-care routine, and the benefits are clear. Climbing is a fantastic way to keep fit, it’s a full body workout and leaves you feeling satisfied and exhausted. Not only has it helped me stay physically fit, but it’s also boosted my mental health, giving me the strength to be the patient, loving, and energetic mum I strive to be every day (and sometimes I fail – but I try to tell myself that it’s ok. Surely, it’s important to teach them that no one is perfect!)

Conclusion:
If you’re a mum, or a parent, or even if you’re neither, but you are reading this and wondering how you can fit in self-care, I encourage you to try something new, whether it’s climbing or another activity that excites you. It’s not about perfection; it’s about finding what helps you feel like your best self. It is important, in fact, essential.
Often, despite me singing how AMAZING climbing is to me, I still find it difficult to leave the house – I’m tired, exhausted, I just want to sit on the sofa with a cuppa. I need to do this, or that, or… nope…. just stop. Stop finding an excuse because there is always something! As soon as you commit and go – you will love it when you’re there. Even if you do more chatting than climbing (or dancing, or running, or singing or swimming….) you WILL feel the benefit.
It doesn’t have to be much, or for long. You just need to find a moment or two every so often just for you.
For me, rock climbing is my escape, and I’m grateful for every moment I get to scale new heights—both on the wall and in my life as a mum.
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