With motherhood in full bloom, I find myself a little sleepier than I prefer. To be honest, I am someone who needs 9 hours of sleep to be rested and ready for the day. That has gone out the window now days, obviously, and it is quite alright. Some days though I am more zombie than human. I barely have the energy to talk after a rough night of the baby (and me) tossing and turning. Caffeine helps, but since I exclusively breastfeed, I cannot drink the gallon of cold brew coffee that I want!
These are a few natural things that help me when I need a little pick-me-up:
1. Yoga is my favorite for just about anything. Stress, fatigue, boredom, annoyance, fun. Yoga is always helpful and puts me in a better mood. Poses like downward-facing dog (Adho mukha svanasana), legs up the wall (Viparita Karani), and camel pose (Ustrasana) are my go tos when I need a little energy!
2. Meditation. Meditating can be done anywhere and involves no mat, specifics, or even much knowledge. Find a comfortable, close your eyes, and take a few deep, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Then inhale for 3 counts (1 – 2 – 3) and exhale for 3 counts. Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4. Inhale for 5, exhale for 5. Continue with 5 count breathing (or higher if you want!) For at least a minute.
3. Walk! I love walking, strolling, wandering, and thankfully it helps with fatigue. No need for tennis shoes or a playlist; just take the dog, put the baby in the stroller, and go! The pace doesn’t matter, but adding a little pep to your step will keep you from a day of sleepiness.
4. Water. We tend to forget that a large part of fatigue comes from lack of enough water or worse, dehydration. Sip or gulp down 2 glasses of water in the morning, especially if you are drinking coffee. Splash some on your face too. If you are fortunate enough to live near a pool, the ocean, or lake, get in the water! Water is therapeutic for many reasons, but it also helps to wake you up!
Sleep cannot be replaced, and in fact, most of us are not getting the rest we need for healthy living. We all have lives to live, children to raise, and jobs to work. When you don’t have the luxury of taking a nice nap or getting the 7-9 hours of adequate sleep nightly, try these remedies. Feel free to try one, a few, or do all of them!
And let me know how your day turns around. Chances are I will be doing one of these as you report back to me! 😉
Life is tiring, replenish yourself!
Yoga with Sarie 
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