It’s no joke that being a new Mommy is exhausting. Sleepless nights, crying babies, endless blowouts… I remember thinking it was a miracle if I had one solid hour of sleep a night. I was lucky that I didn’t work for the first 7 months of Annabelle’s life, because I always tried to nap when she actually decided to nap. At some point I adapted to lying awake at night and the exhaustion disappeared.
Annabelle started sleeping through the night when she was around 11 months old. We had a bad night here or there, but my husband and I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. THEN ONE DAY SHE BECAME A TODDLER AND A NEW KIND OF EXHAUSTION SET IN.
Not only does she randomly keep us up all night long, but she also requires us to chase her around from the time we get home until the time she goes to bed. There are some days I get to work thinking, “I don’t remember how I drove here.” Other days, the fatigue doesn’t set in until 1:30 pm when I have 3 hours left of my workday and then 4 hours left of being a Mommy before I can call it a night.
I have found natural ways to cope with exhaustion from toddlerhood at home and in the workplace. Please share these ways with any tired Mom out there.
1. Avoid Caffeine – It may sound odd, but caffeine can actually make you tired. The old saying what goes up, must come down can pertain to drinking java. It will give you a jolt, but you’ll always crash when it wears away.
2. Peppermint – Peppermint essential oil is ah-mazing when you need a natural boost of energy. Sniff it, put a drop in your water, or rub it on your temples – whichever way you decide to use it, you’ll find yourself feeling a little less sleepy.
3. Vitamin D – Natural sunlight is a great energizer when you’re feeling tired. I don’t have any windows in my classroom, so I value the 30 minutes I can spend with my class outside at recess on days when my feet are dragging.
4. Move, move move! – Exercise is probably the last thing anyone wants to do when they’re tired. I haven’t had a proper workout in months… however, I have started getting myself movin’ instead of putting my head on my desk for a nap. Even if it is just a walk around the house/building/outside, its a simple and free way to boost your mood and energy.
5. Stay hydrated – Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is a given. If you become the least bit dehydrated, you’re going to feel less energetic and more sleepy!
6. Nap – Napping while baby naps is still an option! Sometimes on the weekends, I put Annabelle down for a snooze and take a quick one myself.
Leave a Reply