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    Life-saving tips for exhausted mothers

    Becoming a mother is without any doubt a life-changing experience. Although it’s exhilarating and rewarding in so many ways, it’s also quite challenging. For some women, motherhood may seem like a farewell to the old routines and a lifestyle in general. Sure, things definitely won’t be the same now that you have a completely new set of priorities, but don’t let that get you down. Instead of sticking to your old habits with a new baby in the house, try implementing new ones. Nobody says it’s going to be easy, especially on those days when you feel so exhausted that even brushing your teeth seems like a tremendous effort. To help you get your strength back and blissfully enjoy the time with your bundle of joy, we’ve come up with some useful tips that will help you along the way. So, let’s get started.

    1. Find someone to watch the baby.

    When you’re a mother, finding time for yourself (or anything else) can be difficult, especially if there’s a baby in the house. Dealing with everyday obligations while watching over your little one all the time is exhausting. No matter if you need to do some housework or you simply want an hour or two to relax, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s a partner, a babysitter or a family member, ask someone to watch the baby so you can do your thing. You can use this time to unwind, maybe make some shopping lists or phone calls. Nothing is going to change during those few hours, yet they will mean a lot to you. Spend this time alone in a way that feels best for you. Do whatever feels relaxing, whether it’s reading a book or a magazine, cooking, or watching your favourite TV show. Go for a walk and catch up with some friends. It will put you in a better mood and refill your energy levels.

    2. Make a sleeping schedule.

    Most mothers would agree on the fact one of the most common reasons for tiredness is sleep deprivation. Not getting enough of good-night sleep can not only affect your physical health but it can make you exhausted and prone to dramatic mood swings. Sure, you miss sleeping in the same bed as your partner, but getting exhausted from sleep deprivation won’t do you any good. Making a sleeping schedule is a great solution to this problem. What this means is sleeping in shifts. Use the time while your partner (or a family member) is watching the baby and take a nap in the other room. Once you’re rested, you can return the favour. This is important not only for the parents but for the child, too. Having a well-rested parent is the simplest, easiest way for them to get in a great mood, as well. Caring for children requires focus and energy and for that, you’ll need to get your much-needed Zzzzz-s.

    3. Drink plenty of water.

    Staying hydrated is the key to both physical and emotional health. If you’ve been experiencing headaches, mood swings and fatigue, the chances are you’re dehydrated. Since the average human body consists of around 60% of water, it’s easy to understand why it’s essential for all the processes that are going on inside of us. Most people will reach for sweets or energy drinks when they feel their energy levels dropping low. However, it’s counterproductive. Sugar will boost our energy only temporarily, leaving you feeling even more exhausted than before. Instead, start reaching for a glass of water now and then. The recommended amount is six to eight glasses a day, but feel free to drink more especially when you’re physically active. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times. This will be a reminder if you tend to get forgetful. You can drink it plain or add a few slices of citrus fruit or mint leaves to enhance the flavour.

    4. Make yourself a cup of coffee.

    If you’re a coffee-lover, you may find it frustrating that you can’t enjoy it as much now that you’re a full-time mom. Well, if that’s the case, then we have some good news for you. You don’t have to go to a nearby coffee shop for a cup of your favourite hot drink. With the expansion of espresso coffee makers, you can now indulge in your ritual at home. There’s a great variety of coffee types, so choosing the best coffee pods for your machine may take some time (and sipping). This is fantastic news for all you hard-working mothers who’d like to be one click away from a perfect cup of freshly dripped coffee. This is a great way to recharge and boost your energy levels. Not only will you have more strength to tackle all obligations lying ahead, but you’ll have some alone time, enjoying something that makes you happy. It’s surprising how such a small thing like a cup of good coffee can have a huge impact on our mood and consequently everything else that we do.

    5. Feast on fresh fruit and vegetables.

    There’s a saying that we are what we eat. The choice of foods we consume affects greatly on our wellbeing. Aside from the looks, eating healthy will also put you in a good mood and boost your energy levels. Being a mother is hard work. You need to do whatever you can to keep your energy tanks filled if you don’t want to crawl into bed exhausted night after night. A good way to go is changing your eating habits. Base your diet on plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Strive to have three to five portions of seasonal fruit every day. They’re full of vitamins C, E, B as well as fibre and some even with proteins. Switch to whole-grain pasta and brown rice. Fish is a great source of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids which keep your brain healthy and improve concentration. Also, make sure you don’t skip your breakfast. It provides you with enough fuel for the entire day making it the most important meal of the day. If you don’t have time for a grand-slam breakfast every morning, there are many quick yet healthy recipes out there. Try oatmeal with some fruit, chia seed pudding, or a cup of Greek yoghurt with some nuts.

    6. Keep fit.

    To some, this may sound like a joke. We’re not underestimating your physical activities which involve chores and the work around your children. However, that kind of activity will only contribute to your exhaustion. Exercising regularly does quite the opposite. Although you do put in some effort initially, it will make you stronger and bursting with energy in the long run. If you don’t have time to go to the gym, make one in your home. There are many online shops where you can get high-quality equipment for a home gym. If you don’t have anyone to watch the baby while you’re working out, include the baby in your routine. Grab the stroller and go out for a walk. You’ll both get some fresh air and you’ll get your workout. When your child gets older, you can switch to jogging. Another great activity you can indulge with your bundle of joy is hiking. Put your baby in a sling or a front carrier and let them enjoy nature together with you.

    7. Pamper yourself.

    Finding time for yourself now that you have kids can be quite challenging. However, now more than ever it’s important to do it because you need energy for both you and the child. They will be happy when you are happy. If you have help, you can leave the baby with them and take a trip to your favourite beauty salon down the street. Choose a treatment that you crave the most. Whether it’s a massage, a new haircut, or a manicure, it will do wonders not only for your look but for your mood as well. Those of you who prefer home treatments can make their spa day. Take a nice, long bubble bath. Play some relaxing music in the background, light a few candles, and put a nourishing face mask. Take time to unwind and enjoy yourself. You’ll feel rested and rejuvenated afterwards, feeling ready to handle everything on your plate with bells on.

    8. Hire some help.

    Aside from rewards, motherhood also brings a lot of changes. If you used to do everything around the house by yourself, we salute you. Cooking, cleaning, ironing and keeping everything in order can be hard to achieve with babies and small children around. That’s ok. As much as you consider yourself to be a master of multitasking, sometimes the best thing you can do is to leave the job to someone else. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Whether it’s your partner, family members or a cleaning service, delegate tasks and get some rest. A great way to keep the house spotless without exhausting yourself is to hire a house cleaner. You can ask your friends for a recommendation or you can find some good cleaning service online. The professionals will make sure your home is immaculate which is of the utmost importance when you have a child. Their immune system isn’t fully developed yet so they’re much more prone to catching bacteria and viruses than we are.

    9. Learn how to prioritize.

    Although Moms are superheroes of today, that doesn’t mean they should be exhausted all the time. One of the very important things every exhausted new mom needs to learn is that sometimes, it’s impossible to fit everything into one day. That’s ok. If you realise that you can’t manage to do the washing, iron a pile of laundry, make dinner, feed the baby, and make it to the dentist’s, that’s ok. Sit down and make a list of priorities. See what is necessary to be done and which things can be left for another day.

    Hopefully, these tips will help you incorporate a new set of healthy habits into your daily routine. They will not only make you stronger and healthier, but wiser as well. By putting these tips into practice, you’ll become happier and will also set a great example for your children to follow.

    Stella Ryne
    Stella Ryne
    Stella is an art historian,entrepreneur, conscious consumer and a proud mother. She can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of home improvement/DIY projects. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book.

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