Are you Tired as a mom?
Are you a mom? Then my guess is you are tired today like me. These days are difficult when you have two kids to take care of and in my case homeschool during the coronavirus. (If you have more than two kids, bless you, mama!)
Yet, tired days are bound to happen when you are a mom.
What does “tired as a mom” mean?
If you are a mom, you may not even need to ask this question but if you are tired as a mom, you are feeling exhausted and crabby. You are placing your head in your hands and wishing you could feel normal again. Getting a good night’s sleep is high on your priority list. In short, being tired as a mom is like no other tired you have felt before.
You may be asking yourself, why is it so exhausting being a mom?
Being a mom is very rewarding, yet moms often feel exhausted. We frequently have days where we wake up in the middle of the night and take care of our kids or have a “to-do” list a mile long. There is no wonder why we are all so tired, mama!
Reasons moms are tired:
- kids get up a night to use the bathroom
- your son has a nightmare
- your kids sneak into your bed
- uncomfortable pillows
- to much blue light before bed
All of these are possible reasons you are feeling tired today.
How to stay positive when you are tired
If you are having a gloomy, tiring day, these are the days it is hard to stay positive. In fact, sleep deprivation is linked to a higher rate of depression according to The Sleep Foundation website.
So staying positive is key and can help your mood. One trick to staying positive even on these daunting days is to keep a gratitude journal. Try writing something you are grateful for down in a notebook daily and look back at this journal frequently as a reminder that life is not so bad and this tired day will pass.
What can you do about being tired as a mama?
First, you want to avoid parental burnout and give yourself grace today.
Yet, if you are already tired, your day is off to a bad start. However, it is possible to turn this uncharming day around and start your morning off right.
Today is the day you need ultimate self-care.
When you get a good night’s sleep you feel as if you can conquer the world. Yet, when you sleep poorly, and often two or three nights in a row, mama fatigue sets in and you become a new “crabbier” version of yourself.
On these “not so fun” days, self-care is so important so you don’t start snapping at the family and regretting it later.
Here are the best things you can do for yourself when you are tired as a mom:
#1 Drink Water
If you want to wake yourself up, drink a glass of water. Did you know feeling dehydrated can make you feel extreme fatigue and hunger? Even if you are tired from lack of sleep, this little trick can give you a quick pick-me-up.
#2 Take a hot shower
Taking a shower can help stimulate you and clear your head. If you are down about not getting enough shut-eye, this quick self-care tip will help you feel warm and taken care of.
#3 Pamper yourself
Try doing some type of indulgence before you start your day. Do you have time for any of these quick five-minute indulgences to pamper yourself?
- paint your nails
- a quick facial mask
- scented lotion
- essential oils in a diffuser
- light a candle
Any of these quick self-care tips will help you feel comforted in your time of tiredness.
#4 Make your drink of choice
Coffee is my “go-to” drink every morning, not just the tired ones. Yet, some prefer tea or a smoothie. Whatever your drink of choice, make sure to pour yourself a tall cup today and keep it coming if you need to.
#5 Rest when you can
If you have a break, sit down and rest. Try not to do too much and give yourself some grace when you are tired. If your kids were up at night, chances are they are tired too. Put on a movie, cuddle up and, relax.
#6 Talk with your kids
Let your kids know you are tired. If you are being extra grumpy, ask them to be aware that you are sleep-deprived. They will understand. Ask them to find a quiet activity so you can rest a bit. Try some of these easy activities with your kids:
- race cars on the floor
- play with play dough
- hide under a blanket
- make a reading blanket together
There are fun things you can do to help you make it through the day with little ones.
#7 Go easy on yourself today, mama
Give yourself some grace today, mama. If you are feeling down and have not energy, it is probably not a good day to reorganize the garage. In fact, the garage can wait, like most other things.
What is important is that you take care of yourself today. Use the above tips to keep your kids happy and try to rest when you can.
#8 Say no
I did not sleep well for three or four nights and was having a rough morning. A friend asked us to go to one of our favorite places. Unfortunately, I had to say no. Although I thought about going, I decided it would be best to stay home and rest. Don’t add extra stress and/or responsibility when you are tired. You will end of feeling worse and worse off, resentful.
If you are tired, take it easy and plan to do something with friends later or help a neighbor when you are more awake.
#9 Take a walk
Sunshine can help, even on the worst days. Although you may be too tired to take a walk, consider that it could improve your mood immensely and it will help to get your kids outside for a bit. Put then in a stroller so you don’t have to worry about them running off, or if you have older kids ask them to help you exercise.
#10 Put on your favorite show
I like silly comedy and when I am feeling tired, it can help to watch something funny to perk myself up. As they say, laughter is the best medicine. So pick something you like and set a tv date. Perhaps your spouse can put the kids in the tub while you rest up. You deserve it!
What to do when you are tired, mama conclusion…
Try to get some rest tonight so you will have a better day tomorrow. Turn off the television and put away your smartphone. Spray some lavender on your pillow and go to bed early. Tomorrow is a new day and “This shall pass, mama.” So get some rest and you will have a better day with your babies tomorrow.
What do you like to do when you are tired and taking care of your kids? Leave me a comment. I would love to hear more tips and tricks.
This tired mama phase felt so long. All I wanted was 15 minutes to sit and read. I would turn on a show for the kids and snuggle on the couch for a break. Now that my kids are teenagers, it’s a completely different kind of tired. I needed this post years ago! Great read. Thanks for reminding me that it is normal.
Thank you so much! You are my very first comment on this blog! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post and visit. Yes, there are so many tired days as a mom and they go by so quickly! I will know to expect a different kind of tired when my boys are older! Have a great day and get some rest!
Thanks for the great list! I find slowing down and just enjoying the kids run around and be loud and messy. The mess will eventually get cleaned, but the kids won’t always be small.
This is so true and such an important lesson to remember! Everything goes by so quickly. Enjoy your kiddos! 🙂