Until you become a parent, it’s hard to imagine just how exhausting it can be. From sleepless nights to endless feeds, your body will experience a new level of feeling tired. You’ll feel constantly drained and on the verge of falling asleep at any moment. While a nap is often the best solution, sometimes this is not possible. You might need to give your baby a bath or take them to an important doctor’s appointment. Driving a car safely will also require your full concentration. If you’ve returned to work, you may find that taking a nap at your desk is frowned upon too. So rather than letting your tiredness take over, here are some simple tricks you can use to stay awake and focused.
Drink coffee
Drinking coffee may be an obvious solution, but it’s also one of the most effective. The caffeine in coffee can give you the energy your body needs to stay awake when you’re almost ready to collapse. You can enjoy a coffee from the espresso machines at work, which can help you complete your daily tasks. Another option is to buy a coffee machine for your home which you can use during sleepless nights and early mornings. Look for different coffee ideas you can try which can stop you getting bored of having the same drink. Always remember to drink caffeine in moderation, particularly if you are breastfeeding. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor for some additional reassurance.
FlickrTake a walk
Exercise is another excellent option that can give your body some much-needed energy and help you stay awake. But hitting the gym is probably the last thing you want to do. It’s also not an ideal place to take your newborn. So to help you combat your tiredness without the gym, go for a walk instead. A quick stroll with your baby around the block can get you in the fresh air and make you feel more alert and energized. You can do this during your break at work or during the mornings with other new parents. There’s also the option of doing jumping jacks or dancing to music for 30 seconds. This will give your body and brain a boost when you can’t go walking.
Talk out loud
When you’re sat in silence and feeling tired, it encourages your brain to switch off and go to sleep. So to avoid this, start talking out loud. This can wake up your brain and help it to reenergize. The more talking you do, the less tired you will begin to feel. You can talk to your baby or to yourself when you’re at home. Talking to your colleagues or to your boss can help you stay awake at your workplace. You can even sing if you prefer, but this is often best for times when you aren’t surrounded by a lot of people. Whether you sing or talk, give it a try and see how effective it can be.
You might not get a full night’s sleep for a good few years. But your body will adjust and learn how to function on less of it. So be patient and use these tricks to help make staying awake more manageable.
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