Things You Do To Give You Energy

[Sunshine75]

I'm kindof piggy backing off melilley's post. Hope she doesn't mind....I was just thinking recently how I want to be able to do daycare but also have a life outside of daycare. I am getting bummed that I have started to withdraw from activities and doing things because I am simply too EXHAUSTED. You know when you are to the point where all you want to do is zone out and not think. ::Anyways, what do you do to have more energy for your evenings. I would just like to also be able to run errands without dragging myself through the store or looking in my fridge to see if I can make it through tomorrow. I know you all understand. Thanks for any input you can provide. I should add that I have two boys, ages 10 and 13, who I also have to RUN everywhere for. And that is even with us limiting their activities.

[Blackcat31]

What gives me energy?

Strong dark coffee
Reading a good book (even for a couple minutes)
Whipped Cream vodka shots

Depending on the kind of day I am having those things may vary in the order in which they are required.


Seriously though...I am a Type A personality so I have trouble shutting off my energy levels.

[Josiegirl]

Ooh whipped cream vodka shots? Now those sound intriguing....

I had a whole life history written out but deleted it.
I am able to take a lot more time for myself now and I think that's key to preserving your energy, not to mention sanity. If you keep emptying your well without ever refilling it, you're going to run out eventually.
Don't be afraid to ask for help at home, if you have someone there who'll help. 10 and 13 yo boys should be able to help a lot.

[Lyss]

-Music! When I'm feeling tired at the end of the day and I know I still have to go grocery shopping or something not so appealing I blast some upbeat music or something that I like and it gets me perked up!

-Strong Coffee (mochas/lattes= sugar crash later for me, I'm a double shot in the dark or pot of black coffee kinda girl )

-Working out a "mom's day off" with DH; he's in charge on Sundays so mommy gets to sleep in and go shopping or visit with friends without DD in tow!

-Going for a walk or getting outside

[Brooksie]

COFFEE!!! And a quick work out. Nothing that will exhaust me but some quick calisthenics seem to get me a little boost of energy. Oh and did I mention Ritalin? (don't worry, its a prescription) :: A good nights sleep helps. It seems lame to go to bed early on a night off but sometimes I need it after a long week, otherwise I'm exhausted and grumpy.

[melilley]

Great post!
Honestly, during the week I am exhausted and I don't want to do anything after the dck's leave. I have a 10 year old who helps a little with chores and a 14 mo. old also. I don't really do anything outside of the house during the week, but I do try to take an evening walk every night.
I try to grocery shop for the week on Sunday or Monday (my dh closes the store he works at on Mon. so sometimes I go then). I am trying though to have a girls night out once a week, but we are all moms and try to save the weekends for family events so it's hard to do during the week because I have to get up early for the dck's.

I like the idea of whipped cream vodka shots! I'll have to give them a try!

[LoraJenkins]

For me it is caffeine pills no later than 3pm, upbeat music & dancing ( always gives me energy ) and a bottle of wine after the DCKs go home on Fridays.

It's FRIDA Y so listening to "Get Your Shine On" and on my 3rd glass of wine

[daycare]

I take a morning run every morning before DC. Depending on how the weather is, will determine how long I run. Most days its about 3 miles.


I also am addicted to coffee, I drink mine like thick mud. I drink too much of it, my last cup is at 3:00. If I drink it after that, I won't go to bed.

I also don't eat a lot of carbs and stay clear of artificial sugars. I love to pop in some fruit and finger veggies here and there when I can, about every 2.5 hours. Helps maintain my blood sugar levels.....

TGIF...

Vodka shots sound lovely, but minus the whip cream.....

[Blackcat31]

Vodka shots sound lovely, but minus the whip cream.....

It's not real whipped cream. It's only a flavor.

So that means zero carbs/zero sugars....

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/smirnoff-whipped-cream-flavored-vodka-23000953

[Sugar Magnolia]

Very impractical for most......but since you asked......

MOTORCYCLE! Nothing gets the blood pumping like a sports bike. Zoom.

[Laurel]

Two provider friends and I go out to eat and shop one night a week. Yes, I'm tired and at first had to make myself go but now I look so forward to it that fun trumps tired. It really helps to have it to look forward to.

I reduced the number of children I watch by choice. Luckily finances permitted. I couldn't have always done that.

When I can I try to incorporate some of my chores into child care. I can put a load of laundry in before they arrive and fold it at nap.

Lately my goal has been to go to bed earlier but I'm hit and miss on that.

I've noticed that right after they leave if I go do something relaxing, (I like to have quiet and surf the web), for about 20 minutes or so then it is easier to make dinner. I can't hop right into making dinner as soon as they are out the door. I need to take a 'me' break.

Laurel

[LoraJenkins]

Very impractical for most......but since you asked......

MOTORCYCLE! Nothing gets the blood pumping like a sports bike. Zoom.

But mine is a Harley Sportster

[Sunshine75]

Great Ideas! I know the carbs/sugar do hit me. I had them out of my diet and then slowly and surely they crept their way back in and I have felt sluggish ever since. I think I am going to start doing a veggie try to always have on hand. Now it is just a matter of finding the room in the fridge. My dh and I have decided we may have to break down and buy another fridge for food, pop, etc. Two growing boys need a lot of food! It is crazy how much they can eat at 10 and 13.

[Maria2013]

-Music! When I'm feeling tired at the end of the day and I know I still have to go grocery shopping or something not so appealing I blast some upbeat music or something that I like and it gets me perked up!

that^, nothing recharges me like cranking up some upbeat tuneshappyface

[Lil'DinoEggs]

I was shocked how much carbs/sugar slowed me down. I cut most of it out and I lost ten pounds almost instantly and my stress headaches went away. I just started working out again as well.

As for the day, I have to, HAVE TO, make sure I get at least 6-8 hours sleep. I feel like a kid in bed screaming, "I don't want to", but it feels so much better. I breathe a lot, and secretly, I also have a pair of earplugs. Sometimes if I am getting irritated by certain noises (i.e. my dd, who is obsessed with horses, makes the most obnoxious horse sound. not a pretty neigh but a mustang screech), it takes the edge off. Finally, I put a smile on my face. This stops me from sounding too harsh and the kids seem a little more relaxed.