As I write this, I would rather be sleeping. Moms everywhere are so tired, that there is a new song about it going viral. It’s a parody of Taylor Swift’s Blank Space. The words are changed the “blank space” is on the Starbucks cup, where Mom begs to have her name placed. View the hilarious video here: (Check out the whole video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FrBS2pPcak)
And the song is so great because if you’re like me, or a million other moms, coffee is your life line. And this is a terrible idea, which brings me to the first defense against exhaustion.
Tired Way of Life Tips
Limit your coffee intake. Have I lost you? If so, I understand. If not, keep reading. Next time you have a good sized cup (or two) watch the clock. Pay attention to your crash time. It will inevitably a few hours after your last cup. I know what you’re thinking: I’d crash either way. I’m exhausted. Yes, this is true, but the coffee crash will be harder. Try some black tea instead, or go from two cups to one. Eventually, you’ll stop noticing.
Stop with the carbs. Don’t hate me. Carbs and sugar cause an even bigger crash than coffee. Cut out carbs altogether in the morning and at lunch. You’ll want to die for the first few days–you’ll be more than exhausted, but stick it out and you’ll experience a noticeable difference in energy.
Eat nuts. They help. In the bedroom and out. Kidding. Really, though a handful of almonds is an energy booster. All “good fats” are.
Sleep. Duh, right? This one is the hardest one for me. The reason is that my only downtime is before bed. I read and watch bad television and I don’t want to let it go at ten o’clock. Way too often, I push it to almost 11, despite the fact that I have to be at work at 7:15AM. On the days when I can’t keep my eyes open and accidentally fall asleep at 9:15, I feel completely different. Part of me might totally be in my head–I think I should be less tired, and therefore I am. A trick is to set your alarm at 9:45 PM. You’ll know it’s almost time.
Nap. Five minutes makes a difference. If you’re a working mom, check out this ingenious nap pillow. http://www.hammacher.com/Product/84391
Don’t underestimate vitamins. Vitamins B is your friend. Pop one a day for an energy boost. Winter is an especially tough time when you’re probably vitamin D deficient (and p.s.–seasonal depression is a real thing). Pop a supplement until you can get adequate sunshine.
Exercise. I know you know this already and before you argue, no one is saying that you have to join a gym. But, a walk around the block or your workplace is a good idea to re-energize, even when it feels like the last thing you want to do. I personally enjoy the cold weather for a bit of a wake up call.
Drink Water. Stay hydrated. When you’re not, the first thing to go is your energy. Then come headaches and general irritability (as if we needed help with that).
Finally, if you’re more tired than what is normal, see a doctor. After many months of abnormal fatigue, I was referred to a rheumatologist, and it turned out that I had an autoimmune disease. Trust your instincts and do not let a doctor tell you that you are just depressed or that this is normal.
Author’s Note:
For this article, I collaborated with my brother, Marc Plano, who is a health and fitness guru and wellness coach. You can visit him here: www.theplanoprogram.com
Image: iStockPhoto
