Sleep. Who Needs It?

4 secrets on how to effectively run on little sleep and not die!

“You look tired. Are you OK?” I can’t count the number of times that I have heard this in the last year or so. Even days when I actually try to look put together, clothes without peanut butter smears or spit-up spots, make-up, and my hair not in a ponytail, I still look tired. And guess what, I am. I remember, almost daily, what my mom told me when I first got pregnant with my daughter, “You’ll never sleep again.” I laughed it off then. Now? No more laughs. Only tears at the sad truth. This lack of sleep has only increased as I have become a single mom and a parent of two.

Precious sleeping babies, my favorite time of day!

Here is a list of my 4 secrets to surviving lack of sleep and not becoming a zombie:

1.      Dress for Success. I have a tendency to wear gym clothes and lounge wear all day every day. It is easy and comfy. If the kids wipe their snotty nose on a t-shirt or spit-up all over a pair of sweats, no biggie. Although dressing this way is easier and comfier it also leads to feeling less energized and motivated. Don’t feel like you have to dress to the 9’s every day, but step out of the ultra comfy clothes and you’ll be surprised how much more energy you will discover.

Been there, felt that. Haven’t all of us?

2.      Nap When They Nap. This is an age old adage. Everyone says it when you have a baby. Well, there is a reason why. You need it! I have never been a napping person. I couldn’t sleep during the day no matter how tired I was. Not anymore. I have trained myself how to nap. It is amazing how a 10 minute power nap can change your day. Don’t worry about the messy house, bills, or laundry. If the kids are asleep (or if you have older kids that can take care of themselves for 10 to 30 minutes) take a nap.

 “Don’t worry about the messy house, bills, or laundry.”

3.      Get Up and Get Moving. Sitting around watching TV or reading a book will make you tired. Don’t get stuck in the no-energy rut. Get outside. The sun gives off important vitamin D that will energize and refuel your body. The kids will benefit as well. Get them in the stroller and go for a walk or run every day. Put on some fun music and have a dance party with the kids. Workout. Do anything; just get your body moving.

4.      Don’t Dwell on the Tiredness. Instead of yawning all day or complaining about how tired you are, get busy. Keep your mind off of it. Play with the kids. Do the things that you need to do. Don’t over schedule your days because this will obviously make you even more tired. But don’t get lazy either. Focus on the tasks at hand, not how tired you are.

These tips will help when you are drained and feeling exhausted. But I have one more trick up my sleeve. A secret to how to get more sleep . . . do you want to know what it is?

Gotcha! I have no idea. Help me out, offer your tips and suggestions below!