Jen Affleck Addresses Performing on DWTS, 3 Months After Welcoming Baby (Exclusive)

Jen Affleck is chasing her dreams with her family in tow.

Speaking with PEOPLE about embarking on Dancing with the Stars season 34, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, 26, says that “it’s definitely been challenging” to put in the hard work the show requires while freshly postpartum. Jen and husband Zac Affleck welcomed their third baby, daughter Penelope, earlier this summer.

“I’m still in the thick of postpartum, staying up late, doing feedings and whatnot, so that’s challenging. But honestly, if anything, it’s been helping me,” Jen tells PEOPLE.

“I think if I didn’t have Dancing with the Stars, I’d probably be dealing with baby blues and potentially postpartum depression, which can be the most challenging thing that you can experience after having a baby. So honestly, I’m just grateful I have Dancing with the Stars.”

“The way that I’ve coped through all of my babies has been through dancing, so the fact that I’m now dancing on a real stage in front of millions of people makes this experience even more exciting.”

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It’s still early into practicing, but Jen admits she’s feeling the aches and pains that come with keeping up with the pros.

“I am still recovering after having a baby, and so that itself is hard. But the training is intense. I have blisters on my feet and bruises all over my body. I’m so sore. But at the same time, it’s worth it because I’m having so much fun.”

To take care of herself, Jen is making sure to prioritize recharging whenever possible.

“I’m definitely making sure to get as much rest as I can, even though that’s challenging with a baby. But if anything, this is filling my cup, doing the things that I love. I’m so enjoying doing Dancing with the Stars and sharing my story. It’s filling that cup, which is, in return, helping me become the best version of myself and the best mom that I can be.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, it was revealed that Jen will be partnered with newcomer Jan Ravnik, known for his recent work on Taylor Swift‘s record-shattering Eras Tour last year.

Working with Ravnik has already “been so great” for the MomToker, who raves, “I have the best partner and I couldn’t be happier.”

“It’s been fun. It’s fun working with someone who has a lot of energy and is super positive. It’s making this experience even better.”

Jen also has the support of her real-life partner, sharing that her husband Zac is excited to see her take on this unique challenge.

“I think my family, my husband and my kids are just happy to see me happy,” she shares. “Overall, it’s been a really positive experience for everyone.”

MomTok is well represented in the cast, with costar Whitney Leavitt also competing. While the two ladies will be facing off with each other, they’ve also been “having fun” navigating the experience together.

“It’s been fun to have someone to lean on and someone who just gets it,” Jen says. “She’s the only other person that’s on the same show as me, who is kind of in the same situation since she’s also a mom of three. It’s definitely been nice having her here.”

Fans who haven’t seen the hit reality series that helped bring Jen into the spotlight and onto the dancefloor will get to know the mom of three for her positivity, something she can’t wait to share.

“They’ll learn that I’m a lot happier than what they’ve seen on Secret Lives, and they’ll get to see the realest, most authentic version of myself. They’ll see me doing what I love to do, which is dance, and they’ll see me not being involved in drama. I’m definitely excited for people to see all of that.”

Jen is also excited to share more of herself with fans of the reality series, which recently announced that its third season will be released on Nov. 13.

“It’s been so fun for me to be able to share this experience with my followers so far, especially the ones who have been there since the beginning, since I started dancing on my countertops. I think it’s fun for all the people who have followed my journey to see that I literally started in my kitchen on my countertops and now we’re on the real stage,” she shares.

“I think it’s inspiring for a lot of people, because it just shows you that as long as you’re doing what you love and doing what you’re passionate about and doing what makes you happy, it can lead to even greater things.”

Dancing with the Stars season 34 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and simulcast on Disney+. The show streams the next day on Hulu.