My mum says that having children is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it’s also damn tiring and zaps your zing. It’s no joke that parenting is a 24-hour job. They wake up in the night just to tell you a story, and then they wake up early because it’s time to play. Or they wake up when they get hot, get cold, feel sick or have nightmares. They need constant attention and alertness.
For Mum’s of newborns, your baby has stolen your sleep! For Mum’s of older kids, there are endless after-school activities, birthday parties, soccer games and dance classes to go to. They play until they’re tired, and then they take a nap. Why don’t we don’t get to take a nap!
We have to do the clearing up, the washing up, the ironing and the cooking. Then it’s bath time, and storytime, again and again. You love them to bits but sheesh, parenting can be exhausting!
You can’t constantly run in survival mode. It seems that no matter how many times you ask your little nippers for a break (even just a pee break) these pleas fall on deaf ears. So how can you get the energy back that you need to make it through the week? Here are 4 Tips to bring some zing back into your Mummy life.
4 Top Tips To Put The Zing Back In Your Life
1.) Drink more Water
This one sounds so simple, but it’s often overlooked. Hydrating yourself with fresh water increases your energy levels and minimizes fatigue. Try it for a week and see what happens! Some say to drink eight glasses a day; others use mathematics. If you find out your weight in pounds and then half it, you should be drinking that quantity in ounces. If you don’t get any pleasure from drinking water, add a dash of lemon or lime.
It is advisable to use the best water softener if you are facing the problem of hard water.
2.) Turn chores into playtime
For Mums with children four and older, it’s time to turn some of those pesky chores into playtime to distribute the balance. Create games around making the bed and tidying up toys. Teach them to fold and store their own laundry.
Create a chore chart that dishes out little rewards or gold stars when things get done. Give them a duster. You’ll be surprised at the missed spots that little people can reach!
3.) Eat well and supplement
Lots of people swear by natural supplements to boost their energy levels. Though not a replacement for a healthy balanced diet, they can add extra fuel to your depleting energy levels. Dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine are neurotransmitters that help regulate your mood and behaviour. Taking supplements that naturally increase these will give you more energy.
Make sure there is lots of protein and fibre-rich carbohydrates in your diet. Try and eat lots of protein in the morning. Eggs, lentils, pumpkin seeds and chicken breast will all give you a big boost of energy. If you are feeling overly fatigued, it is also worth going to the doctors to get your thyroid and iron levels checked, as you may have a deficiency.
4.) Get a Zing sleepover in
Don’t be afraid to ask either set of grandparents to be a sub for the night. Children love sleepovers and grandparents will appreciate the ask. Now you can get a much-needed rest. Do not use this time to catch up on work or chores. Take a bubble bath, enjoy a glass of wine and switch off for a while. Try and get to bed by 10 pm and you’ll feel refreshed in the morning. Especially with the knowledge that you can lie in for once!
