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Ugh. Ever have those days that you feel like you’re just DRAGGING? Especially with little kids running around, I have those days often! And when I want to lay down rather than sweep up cheerios for the fiftieth time, I just want to sink in a hole (or couch) and wait it out. Haha! But we all know that doesn’t help. If you need a little energy pick-me-up, this article is for you!
*If you have ongoing tiredness and lack of energy, it could also be medical-related. I don’t have medical advice, so please reach out to your doctor if it’s an ongoing problem.*
I am a BUSY mama. Like seriously. I cook, clean, take care of two toddlers, an infant, myself, and my husband, and I work to make a full time income. I also have a tiny social life, believe it or not 😉 So let’s just say I’m in the trenches… here are some ideas to up your energy level – from yours truly and a few other mamas in the trenches:
✔ Stick with your routine!
Even if you haven’t slept in a week – or years – having a solid routine helps you get going and it helps your kids know what to expect as well (hint – less crabbiness!). My husband swears by getting up at the same time every day, even on the weekends!
✔ Prep for the day!
Showering and getting dressed (ALL THE WAY – including hair and makeup/lotion) will help you feel more confident and energetic. Don’t skip breakfast – eek! It’s the most important meal of the day and skipping will kill your metabolism and make you feel sluggish later.
✔ Exercise!
When you feel sluggish, getting moving is a great way to change your energy for the day. Even if you just drop and do some pushups or squats in the middle of the day, it will help get your heart rate up and give you a boost of energy.
✔ Good nutrition is important!
Drink lots of water and take any supplements or necessary medications. Try to have some healthy snacks with protein on hand to grab when you have a minute. I love sunflower seeds, greek yogurt with honey, and Shakeology. A bonus tip from a photographer friend who’s on her feet all day at weddings – eat half a cucumber and drink all the green tea for sustained energy and hydration!
✔ Take advantage of nap/quiet time!
Chill during nap time or when the kids go to bed. It’s easy to want to go go go and be productive, but sometimes it’s better to relax with a movie, close your eyes, and just take some time to take care of yourself.
✔ Survival is OK, too!
Sometimes you just have to stop trying to be productive for a minute, or a day. It’s OK. Just make sure the little people survive. If all else fails, lock yourself in a child-proofed room with the kids and a snack, turn on the TV, and hand them some treats. Lay on a couch and sleep with one eye open.
✔ Get Over Your Fear of Asking for Help
This one is still hard for me, but if it all gets to be too much, reach out for help. It’s OK to not be able to do it all. My parents and in-laws take our girls for a weekend once per month and it’s been such a blessing to have that extra time to get rest and catch up on life a bit. If you need more help, reach out to a trusted friend, your church, or counselor.
As they say, mommin’ ain’t easy. But it sure is worth it. Hang in there, mama!
I love the idea of having a weekend without kids once a month! I guess you have to be careful that you don’t get sucked into the work-work-work mode if you really need a rest in that case!
SO true!! It is definitely a blessing to have some quiet time though, especially for this introvert 😉
I agree with getting dressed all the way for the day. I feel more productive. Also, I’m guilty of trying to be ”productive” while kids are napping and end up being less productive later because of it. I think is all about balance. Great post!
I like your tips! Especially taking a nap time while they nap. That’s when I try to do most of the housework and writing. Sometimes we, moms, just need to slow down a bit.
Thanks so much!! I agree, I always seem to have a million things to wrap up when nap time rolls around. I take at least one day per week to try to relax during nap and that helps me a lot. Thanks for stopping by!
I love your advice. I have especially found the getting dressed one to be the most helpful for me personally. It seems crazy, but it completely changes my mind set!
It does, 100%! Thanks for sharing, and I’m glad to hear that works for you!!
I am a tired mommy. So reading this was very helpful. Exercise and good nutrition is so important. And I definitely like to take advantage of nap and quiet time!
I’m glad it was helpful to you!! 🙂
Gret tips. Routine is key, both for Momma and for babes! And yes, rest when they do. I never did but definitely encourage my daughter in law to do so now!
Isn’t it crazy how we all “know” what to do (or not do, in this case), but it’s so hard! I busted my butt keeping the house clean for my first baby, then I learned the hard way how important it is to take some time to relax and recharge.
Excellent post! Exercise is so important for me, and I have learned to either get dressed first thing or at least dress in exercise clothes, depending on my schedule for the day. Your title picture is too funny… hiding under the covers on the couch! 🙂
Haha!! I’ve done my fair share of hiding under the blanket! 🙂 And yes, I usually get dressed in “grubby” clothes for the first half of the day while I do chores and exercise, then later I change and try to look nice 😉
Shopping by my self, lol, also eating spicy fruit salad actually give me energy, weird, I know. And I love to see scenery like a river, mountain or lake to get my energy back.
Oh interesting!! I’ve never even had spicy fruit salad?! And so true about changing scenery or getting outside. Thanks for sharing!
I think asking for help
Can be one of the most difficult things to do because we feel like we have to do it all.
So true, Karen! That’s why I wrote this article… We all need that reminder sometimes 🙂