So, when I was in high school, I went through this fun little sleeping-all-the-time stage. I’m not exaggerating when I say I came home from school around 3, crashed on the bed until 10 or so, woke up, ate, and headed back to bed for the night. I didn’t really think it was that big of a deal until when I didn’t show up for things and people outside my home and family would say things like, “Oh, is she sleeping again?”. So I tried to stop taking naps. I couldn’t believe how hard it was! I was SO tired ALL the time! My body craved the extra sleep I had been giving myself for months and months. My best friend (now husband) even made this adorable little “sleeping calendar” to help ween me off of my naps:
I love the little “freeby” days he gave me! The struggle was real.
My sleepy high school days and the weather here lately are the inspiration behind this post. For the last 3 weeks we’ve had the most gloomy weather! It just keeps raining and raining. I know we could definitely use the rain after the dry winter we’ve had but you know what rainy weather makes me want to do? S L E E P. Anyone else feel this way? Unfortunately, my 7 month old has been enjoying only cat naps lately so it hasn’t left much time for a nice mama nap. If you’re dragging like me, these handy tips on how to stay awake when you’re feeling tired should hopefully help:
1.) Start your day out right with breakfast. Yes, I know you’ve already heard the health benefits of why you should have breakfast every day but let me add my voice to it. Your body needs that fuel in the morning to help rejuvenate and energize for the day’s activities. Eat a breakfast even if you think you aren’t hungry. Trust me, it’s most likely been at least 10 hours since you last ate, you’re hungry! I use to skip breakfast because nothing solid ever sounded appetizing. If you’re like me, make a fruit smoothie!
2.) W A T E R. Need I say more? Whenever you’re starting to feel drowsy, go drink a glass of water. I like cold water because it feels like it awakens my senses, but just staying hydrated in general will help!
3.) Exercise and Fresh Air. Doesn’t have to be anything major. Whenever I’m feeling drowsy, I’ll step outside for a few minutes and breath in some fresh air or take a stroll around the block. It can be really tiring being cooped up in a building all day. Go get some sunlight and stretch your muscles.
4.) Snacks. It’s a good idea to eat some snacks high in protein (almonds, cashews, etc..) in between meals to keep you going. Try and avoid anything too sugary- because of the crash you’ll feel later, and fatty- because it makes your digestive system work harder and makes you more sleepy.
5.) Arouse your senses. Get as many of them awake and alert as you can. Chew on some gum, sniff something, listen to some fun music, take a walk, etc..
6.) Keep your mind active. Switch tasks, chat with someone, doodle, etc…
7.) P O W E R nap. Just do it. If you can’t fight the fatigue anymore, your body probably just needs a quick 10 (no longer than 20) minute power nap to rejuvenate and reprocess. Set an alarm, and once it goes off, stand up and walk around or drink a glass or water to make sure you don’t fall back asleep.
What methods do YOU use to stay awake when you’re feeling tired?