If you’re a a parent, chances are fatigue is a normal part of your life. We get tired because we often don’t get nearly as much sleep, rest, relaxation, and down time as we need – and over time that can really impact how vibrant and energetic we feel.
Long term stress and lack of deep sleep causes issues with the adrenal glands, hormones, and metabolism. Many parents find that over time they feel less able to get a good night of sleep, and still don’t feel all that great when they do. This happens because metabolic damage, adrenal fatigue, and hormone imbalances all take time to heal – but there’s good news! There are things you can start doing right now that can help you feel better right away while also helping you to heal and strengthen over the long term. These simple tips help nourish your body and mind so that you can get back to living a vibrant life with your family without the need for stimulants like caffeine and refined sugar or going through life feeling like a zombie. Try them all and see which ones work best for you!
1. Eat!
Most parents are severely deficient in food. We’re so bust feeding our kids that we often forget to take time to feed ourselves! Ensuring you get enough healthy cars in your diet can help dramatically increase how good you feel, look, and function each day. A diet rich in foods like fresh, ripe fruits, nuts and seeds, and veggies are loaded with healthy carbs that create sustainable energy for body and mind while also loading your body with healing nutrients. Keep dried fruits, nut and seed mixes, and veggie medleys on hand all the time so that you can snack on the go. If you find yourself skipping meals, especially breakfast, chances are that’s one of the leading factors in how tired you feel. You work hard – make sure you fuel your body enough each day!
2. Drink!
Skip those overpriced, unhealthy energy drinks in the store and invest in a water bottle. Even slight dehydration can ramp up stress levels, increase the production of stress and fatigue hormones like cortisol, and cause the body and brain to function poorly. Sip clean water all day, every day. If you can drink, drink! If you go through a bottle of water every hour or two, chances are you’re on the right track. To flavor things up a bit, try adding fresh cucumber slices, lemons, oranges, or mint sprigs to your water – so much healthier than soda!
3. Move Intentionally
We get so busy going 90 miles an hour with our kids that we often forget to slow down and move with intention. Taking a walk, going for a bike ride, stretching, or going for a swim are all things that help soothe stress, heal fatigue, and help us feel stronger and more energetic each day. If you can wedge out even just 30 minutes a day for exercise, try it out and see how amazing it makes you feel!
What tips do you have to fight fatigue?
Share them with us in the comments below!