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You know when you were little and you used to brainstorm all the things you’d enforce if you were President? I’m pretty sure I would make naps a mandatory part of the day! 😉 Since I’m not going to be President anytime soon, I’ve been testing out ways to give me more energy through the day. (And no, a dirty diet coke doesn’t count!) Something about having a little one that wakes up in the middle of the night to nurse and a lively three year old has me pretty worn out most days. But! I have found a few simple ways that keep me energized throughout the day. Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite tips below!
Wake Up Early
Oh this one is so hard for me! I really enjoy my sleep. However, I notice a HUGE difference when I make the effort to get up before my kiddos. Instead of groggily rolling out of bed when Ellie comes in to ask for breakfast, I’m awake and happy when she gets up! I love having the little bit of “me” time in the morning. I like to plan out my day, get a jump start on work or packaging orders, read my scriptures, and get a workout in. Speaking of workouts…
Start Moving Right Away
Waking up early to exercise actually gives me more energy during the day! My brain tries to convince me that losing an extra 45 minutes of sleep to sweat like crazy won’t actually make me more energetic, but it does! I’m much more alert and let’s face it, a much more fun mom during the day. I have much more energy to run around with Ellie while she rides her scooter or play tag in the house. Brian and I been doing the P90x workouts lately – whoa they’re killer! I am excited about the progress that I’ve made so far, I’m slowly getting back into better shape!
Involve your Kids
Don’t have time to get work out done in the morning? Get your kids involved! I’ve found sometimes the best way for me to get moving is chasing Ellie at the park. Running up and down the stairs a million times while we play “doggies” or giving piggy back rides around the house works too. Anything that gets me (and Ellie!) moving and active gives me more energy throughout the day. (And simultaneously wears out Ellie for bed time 😉
Eat Foods that Give You Energy
Oh this is a hard one for me! A cookie for breakfast? Yes please! Yet, I know that when I eat a well balanced breakfast, I have a lot more energy throughout the day. Lately, I’ve been trying to choose meals and snacks that give me a boost, instead of making me crash. For breakfast, I like to eat yogurt+berries+granola, peanut butter toast or cook up some eggs. A handful of almonds, a cheese stick, or fresh veggies make for a perfect afternoon snack.
I’ve also been making smoothies with almond milk! This Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk® (found at Walmart) has been the perfect addition to my smoothies. It’s organic and adds 10 times the protein of other leading almond milks. My favorite smoothie as of late has been this Peanut Butter Almond Milk Smoothie below. It tastes amazing!
Peanut Butter Almond Milk Smoothie
1 cup Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk®
1 Banana
2 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
Dash of Vanilla
10-15 Ice Cubes
Add all ingredients in blender and blend well. Add more or less ice cubes for desired consistency. Enjoy! (P.S. You can take $1.50 off Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk® with this coupon through 10/24)
Get to Bed Early
And last but not least, get some sleep! While an uninterrupted night’s sleep isn’t quite possible for me right now (nursing baby!), getting to bed a decent time makes all the difference in the world. Sometimes, Brian and I fall into the routine of watching a show at night…and staying up far too late! We are trying harder to have a set bedtime and adhere to it.
And if all else fails, a little chocolate never hurts 😉 Now mamas, how do you stay energized throughout the day?
It's such a hard balance to have enough sleep, stay energized, and be productive. I definitely try to get up before my son…but that's hard sometimes as he wakes up anytime from 6:30-8! I also get real tired very easily at end up going to bed at 10 but my brain begins to malfunction at 8:30 pm. I'd include drink a lot of water during the day! That especially helps with headaches.
I find getting up before my son [and husband] sets me up for a great day. Sure, it means that I'm getting a little less sleep, but I don't feel as crazed in the morning. Eating well and exercise helps with energy levels, too! #client
Waking up before my kids is key. I'm much less rushed which equals not as snippy! We are all happier! Fruit, veggies, cheese, whole grains…I've got to try that organic milk though! Thanks for sharing!
I needed to hear all of this! That smoothie looks amazing and I agree with the waking up early thing, now if only I could get to bed early – we are such night owls! And I love the color scheme of this post 🙂