Q During postpartum depression, should I do light exercise or go outside? Or is it better to rest at home?
A When the weather allows, walking outside in the sunlight for 10 to 20 minutes a day genuinely helps improve mood. Strenuous exercise is to be avoided; try starting with a stroll around the neighborhood with your baby.
Detailed Answer
Light outdoor activity raises serotonin and lowers stress hormones, helping to relieve postpartum depression symptoms. Just walking in the sunlight for 10 to 20 minutes a day can improve both mood and sleep quality. Strolling around the neighborhood with your baby has the added benefit of reducing isolation and providing fresh air and social stimulation. However, since your body is still recovering after childbirth, avoid strenuous exercise, and on days when you feel unwell or listless, the priority is not to overdo it.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine cautions against both excessive rest and excessive activity in the postpartum period. Light walking under warm sunlight, which receives yang energy (yanggi), helps the flow of qi and awakens the Heart-spirit. At Dongjedang, we adjust the amount of activity to match your body's condition, and we also actively recommend strolls in the parks around Dong-gu, Incheon.
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