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Mums, this is why you’re so tired (and it’s not just about the lack of sleep)

Mar 10, 2022   •   
Mums, this is why you’re so tired (and it’s not just about the lack of sleep)

For many mums sleep is an elusive luxury.

And, yes, if we’re not getting enough sleep, no matter how old our children are, we will start to feel tired and lack energy.

But, when this is one area of our life we can’t always control, there are other areas that impact our energy levels and, with a little adjustment, can help manage fatigue.

Consider these five areas that may be contributing to you feeling tired and depleted:

1. Shallow Breathing

Breathing is one of the most essential actions we do every day, but so many of us don’t do it effectively or efficiently – have you ever thought about the way you breathe?

Furthermore, so many mums are breathing so shallowly that they are impacting on their recovery in the postnatal period, increasing pelvic floor issues or impacting the repair of their abdominal separation, both of which in themselves are exhausting to deal with daily.

Additionally, when you are shallow breathing, you are not getting enough oxygen into your body which impacts your energy levels.

Take the time to focus on your breathing at some stage during your day, as it will support your health and wellbeing and assist you with coping with all the demands of being a mum.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can look like simple breath work while having a cuppa, five minutes of guided meditation with an app, or simply just consciously acknowledging your breathing while watching the kids.

2. Lack of Movement

The journey of motherhood can really impact the ability to or desire for taking time to move the body to enable healing, strengthening, and achieving a feeling of vitality.

When your body feels tight and sore from lack of even gentle movement, it can make you feel tired and uncomfortable, and often contributes to headaches and feelings of sluggishness.

But, despite so many mums saying they are too tired to exercise, movement can energise you.

Why?

Movement can create changes in your physical and emotional state. And the simplicity of healthy movement can’t be denied – movement that you enjoy, that lifts you up and that makes you feel better. And when you feel better, you definitely feel more energised!

3. Lack of Connection 

Have you ever caught up with a girlfriend and come away feeling re-energised and uplifted? Connection with others is so important.

However, life as a mum, especially during a pandemic, can be very isolating, and really impact our emotional and mental wellbeing, in turn often making us feel tired and lethargic.

One of the best ways to improve your energy levels is to connect with friends, either on the phone, via video call or in-person.

Why don’t you combine movement and connection by joining a MumSafe™ session? There is so much more to our sessions than just fitness!

4. Lack of Hydration

Hydration plays a very important role in our body as it helps our body’s organs to function properly, flush harmful toxins out of our body, and provide a natural glow on the skin.

However, most people are dehydrated, and so many mums I work with do not drink enough water. When you are dehydrated your body can’t function optimally, which will affect weight loss, immune function, bowel habits (and that just makes you toxic), and the list goes on!

Feeling a bit tired or foggy? Yes, not getting enough sleep won’t help, but not being well hydrated also will affect your energy levels and your mummy brain!

I get it, some of you don’t like water. But think of it from a different perspective.

You know water is important. You will be diligent about having your children drink their water because you know they need it for regular bowel habits, keeping hydrated, and maintaining body temperature. So, why aren’t you as diligent with yourself?

And if you struggle to drink water, remember that water can be found in many fruits and vegetables, which we all need to be consuming more of every day.

5. Are You Nourishing Your Body?

Maintaining our blood sugar levels with at least three balanced meals a day has such an impact on our energy levels. But I know so many mums are so busy worrying about feeding their families they forget to feed themselves.

Try smoothies for breakfast, dinner leftovers for lunch and order in prepared meals if you need – there’s no judgment here!

Focus on whole foods, not processed foods or those high in refined sugar or trans fatty acids.

And, eating quality protein, fibrous carbohydrates like fruits and veggies, omega fatty acids, and some high-quality starchy carbohydrates at every meal will not only ensure you are getting a range of nutrients but also ensure that you are getting a range of vitamins and minerals that contribute to your body’s ability to both convert energy and in turn give you energy for your full mum life.

 

Jody runs Body Empowerment with Jody in Perth, WA. To find out more about her and get in touch, click here

MumSafe™ is the go-to place online for women to find mum-focused fitness services that are all accredited, experienced and partnered with women’s health physios so you know you are in very safe hands. Click here to find a trainer near you.

Jody Pearce runs Body Empowerment with Jody in Western Australia, . Learn more about Jody and Book your Trial today.

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