Becoming a mom is a wonderful and life-changing experience. It also can really increase your tasks and schedule. Each age and stage comes with different levels of a busy season as well too. From sleepless nights with newborns to keeping up with your bigger kids’ schedules, it can be a challenge to feel rested.
You don’t have to live your life in a state of exhaustion though. Keep reading to find ways to boost your energy as a busy mom.
Prioritize Sleep
One surefire way to boost energy is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. As a busy mom, try to prioritize your sleep. Are you in the early stage of parenthood or even the stage of lots of activities and homework? If so, you probably just rolled your eyes. But good, consistent sleep is so important for your overall health and energy.
Try to set a standard time to shut down and go to bed at night. If you’re having a hard time calming your mind and sleeping, try an aid like sleep gummies. They can help promote relaxation so you can get to sleep and stay asleep. Try turning off the TV and getting off your phone before bed as well. The blue light from both can disturb sleep patterns. A dark, cool room is also a must.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising is another great way to boost your energy levels. While finding time to add in exercise can be a challenge with your busy schedule, it’s important. Working out, even if it’s a 30-minute walk, can boost your energy. As you workout, you get your heart rate and oxygen levels up. It makes your body more efficient at moving blood flow through your muscles and in turn helps you expend less energy.
That extra blood and oxygen flow also makes its way to your brain. This helps with mom fatigue and better brain function as well. Exercise is also a great stress reliever and helps balance hormones. Getting in a good session releases endorphins and can give you that feeling people often call a runner’s high. If you find yourself really amped up and full of energy after a workout, aim for morning workouts. That way you’ll have the energy to get through your busy day. Working out before bed might just keep you up at night.
Set Aside Time for You
You’ve likely heard the old adage, it’s hard to fill someone else’s cup when your own cup is empty. Running full tilt and caring for everyone else and letting your needs slip by the wayside isn’t sustainable. In fact, it’s a recipe for exhaustion and burnout. Make sure to set time to care for yourself while caring for your crew.
What is it that recharges your batteries? It might be going to the movies by yourself or having dinner with friends. Solo time to read and have a bath might be just the ticket. Whatever it is, make time to recharge so you can be your full self when it comes to your parenting responsibilities. If you have a partner or family nearby, express your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for the time you need.
Ask for Help
They say it takes a village. It really does, and that can be a challenge in today’s digitally connected world. One way to ensure you are able to have time for you is to ask for help. It’s also a way you can keep up with all the running and boost your energy. No one is meant to do it all alone. Ask your partner, friends, or family for help.
When the kids get older and into activities and sports, you can also ask for help from other parents. Setting up a carpool with your kids’ friends is one way to share the tasks and split the time. Maybe you and other moms and dads take turns running the kids in your neighborhood to baseball practice, for an example. Splitting up what you’re doing and when can help boost your energy. You won’t burn out as easily.
Establish Boundaries
There are so many events and activities available for your kids. And you can see what other moms are doing for birthdays and holidays on Instagram. It can feel impossible to keep up with the other moms you see posting about their kids. Remember, Instagram is only the highlight reel. And you and your kids don’t have to do everything like everyone else.
It’s OK to say no and create boundaries. In fact, it can preserve your sanity, energy, and emotional well-being. It also allows you and your kids to have the energy to be fully present for the activities you choose to do. Decide how many sports or activities your kids are allowed to do. Protect their time and yours. As a bonus, setting this boundary can also help in other goals you might have like budgeting.
There are lots of memes and jokes for new moms on tiredness. When will you ever feel rested again? Some joke and say in about 18 years. While each added person can bring more responsibility to your life, they can also bring more love. You don’t have to feel exhausted and burnout until your kids are grown. Trying some of the tips above can really boost your energy and let you enjoy each stage of their childhood.
