Ideas to Gain More Engery?

Updated on November 27, 2007
J.W. asks from Cincinnati, OH
15 answers

Hello. I am a single mom to a 4 month old boy. I just returned to work a little over a month ago and I am ALWAYS exhausted. My son does not always sleep through the night but is usually up only long enough to eat. Even if I am lucky enough to get 8 hours of sleep, I never feel rested. My job has been very demanding lately and then I go home to a little baby. I hardly ever get a break. Caffiene does not phase me at all. Any suggestions on how to get more energy or feel rested would be greatly appreciated.

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J.F.

answers from Cleveland on

I am a stay at home mom with 2 teenagers, a severely dsabled son, a husband who works shifts and babysit a 2 yr old. I am always tired as well. I have started exercising for about 15 - 20 minutes a day and drinking more water. I have however found if I don't do it at least 5 times a week it doesn't help. I know it is so hard to find the time so I do it about 40 minutes before I go to bed. When I am consistent I feel great, when I don't do it for a while I am tired again.
I hope this helps!
Jenn.......

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K.C.

answers from Dayton on

Hi J.:

I too work full-time, own a part-time business, have a 2 1/2 yr old son and travel at least an hour both to and from work. So I know what you mean on lack of sleep. :-)

I have the ability to purchase these vitamins that I get through my business. They are great for energy - and better than prenatal vitamins. I was very hesitant at first, but realized that after about 2 weeks of taking them, I was doing great. Caffiene doesn't effect me either.

These vitamins were awesome when my husband had bronchitis, among other illnesses in addition to my son being ill --- I didn't catch ANY of it. I think it is a "miracle" vitamin! :-) I catch everything!

Please check out my website. You may order and if you aren't satisfied, then you are welcome to return the product back to the supplier within 180-days. If you order over $75 worth of products, you get free shipping.

Also, we have energy drinks that are great! They aren't loaded with sugar or carbs.

Check out my site:
http://www.pksolutions.ltdteam.com/

Password: nutrition

Have a great day!
K. C.

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S.P.

answers from Columbus on

gratz on the new baby ^__^

best way to boost energy is to make sure your body is getting what it needs.
lots of water
plenty of vitamines...
for an extra energy boost, eat a banana!
make sure youre eating properly aswell.

caffine is good for a short boost...
but the more caffine you drink, the less it works. your body starts to block the caffine, so 1 cup gets you a boost.. but you need 2 cups the next time. just try to stay clear of caffine as an all the time energy source.

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J.F.

answers from Lima on

Well, I think this is something that ALL of us has experienced. I never got anymore enegry, heck my daughters almost 2 and I still don't have any energy. But the only thing that got me up and going again after a long day is just to know that it is all for that child. Nothing else matters. And you have to learn how to prioritize things so you aren't stringing yourself out to thin. There are no miracle pills in my eyes that are going to energize you. They all send you down crashing anyways. My suggestion, is make a list of all you need to do at the end of each week for the next week, and prioritize that list. Somethings will just have to wait, and somethings just can't.

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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

Try to make sure you are getting proper nutrition and stay away from junk food, processed foods, or foods with a lot of refined sugar. These items typically give you a big energy surge, but the surge never lasts long and leaves you feeling sluggish (and wanting more food). Something as simple as analyzing your diet, and including more fiber, lean protein, and vegetables and fruits could really help.

Also, this will seem to make no sense at all but it really does help. Even if it is in the middle of the day, try to include exercise in your daily routine. It can be something as simple as walking. Exercising can help boost your metabolism (not to mention provide you with so many other health benefits) so you are not feeling as sluggish.

Please avoid any fad products, pills, shakes, or gimmicky vitamins. They're either a waste of money or have potential long-term risks to overall health. You don't want a band-aid solution; you want a long-term solution.

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C.

answers from Cleveland on

I'll second the advice on the B-complex vitamin. It works wonders! Also, make sure your son has a little bit of cereal right before bed time (I put 2 tsps in his bottle per doctor's recommmendation because my son had reflux). Within three days he started sleeping through the night.

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M.N.

answers from Cincinnati on

I agree with vitamins and nutrition but the excersise really helps me! I know it's hard to get in at first, especially since you are a single mom, but remember even if you do mall walking with the baby in a stroller that's a start. Also you could check into your local YMCA to see if they have daycare. I go to the springboro one and take my kids with me. I get a free 1-1/2 hours daily and I feel so much better about myself along with more energy. Their membership is income based and they really have a lot of great free programs for members!

good luck!

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

Hi J.!

As a mom of two, I understand exactly how you feel! Stress and exhaustion were a big part of my life until I learned about and found balance in all areas. Wow! What a positive impact balance has made in my life! Imagine living life with less stress, more energy, more time, and better health! You see, proper nutrition (whole grains, fruits, veggies...), advanced cellular nutrition (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants), hydration, and exercise are absolutely necessary in reducing your risk of chronic conditions.

Once last thing, it's okay to take some time for yourself to do the things you enjoy the most!!!!! :)

You are loved,
D.

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R.P.

answers from Youngstown on

My hubby calls them POWER NAPS - if you have a CHANCE to get a 10-15 minute nap -- put your feet up in the recliner and do it! It can really help - (kind of like a little snack after school to tide you over until supper) - hold you over until bedtime!

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A.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

Continue to use your prenatal vitamins!! If your out of them get a multi vitamin. Having a baby that young and working is alot. Even when you get 8 hours it doesn't feel as such because your body is trying to play catch up on sleep. God bless.

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D.Z.

answers from Youngstown on

Obviously, try to get as much rest as possible. Try to find a sitter so you can have some down time. Also, you may want to look at your diet. I know when I load up on sugar and carbs I get tired and stay tired. I try to eat more fruits and veggies. McDonald's has a great grilled chicken salad. One more idea, get some excercise. I know when I found my walking buddy my energy level changed. We only walk twice a week 2-5 miles, but even this is wonderful. It helps me relieve a little bit of that stress and I find myself looking forward to it. I throw my son in the stroller and off we go!

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K.S.

answers from Cleveland on

I agree with Mi. The best way to increase your energy is to put quality fuel into your body. Try a whole food diet, increase whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Eat lean meats in moderation. Avoid processed and fast foods(they are more convenient but they aren't good for you , they tend to slow you down(think about how your car reacts when it needs an oil change...mine was usually sluggish) and if you have any health issues, may even contribute to them worsening) Take a good quality multi vitamin. Exercise where possible(and keep in mind cleaning and running around after little ones does count)If it's hard because of time constraints to prepare fresh meals, prepare veggies and other ingredients(pasta, rice) on weekends or days off and refrigerate or freeze them so you can prepare meals quickly. Don't over schedule yourself, you already have a full load. Make yourself and your little boy top priority. Also, if family and friends are close by ask for help if possible.They may be willing to do your grocery shopping for you or may help with preparing food.

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A.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi. I have the same problems that you do. I work full time, go to school and have to manage a house, husband and 2 year old. I average about 5 hours of sleep per night and I always felt tired. My grandmother started getting what she called "B-12" shots at the doctor's office for more energy and they really worked for her so I bought B-150 vitamins at the drugstore over the weekend. I started taking them and I can tell a difference in the amount of energy that I have. Exercise has always helped me in the past to have more energy but I just don't have the time to exercise right now so these vitamins have helped.

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K.P.

answers from Columbus on

J., there is no doubt you have heard "vitamins" "vitamins" "vitamins" and I'm about to tell you the same thing. The only difference is I'm going to suggest liquid vitamins. They are absorbed into the body so better and faster so you get the benefit of them quickly. Having had a lot of health issues, I've found that liquid vitamins are a great way to go. I suggest GBG's 10-in-One Formula. I liked the product so much, I joined their company. You can get a month supply for $20 which is less than you'll pay at most drug stores and this particular product offers trace minerals, antioxidants, energy boosters and so much more. You can find them at http://www.shopgbg.com/?ID=319619 Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Infinite Blessings! Kristy

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K.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

I would have given the same advice as the person before me...but being a single mom myself I find those things EXTREMELY hard to do! I know they would help me, as they do when I stick to them, but I find a hard time to do them.

I just wanted to comment on easy ways to add in excerise into your daily routine without adding too much time to your day...

Tummy tucks: Hold your abdominal muscles in for 10 seconds every time you stop at a red light and answer the phone.

Butt squeezes: While standing in line at the store, or sitting in a fast food line, squeeze your bottom in. It's something small that no one else will realize your really doing (unless their checking you out...whoo hoo!)

Have steps in your house? Take them twice each time you go up, go back down and go back up again on purpose. Crazy? It's a little extra exercise.

Sit ups first thing in the morning, when you get out of bed (or before) do 3 sets of 10 sit ups. They will help you get going in the morning.

Play time makes great exercise time, and when your child gets older they will realize that exercise is really fun! There are lots of examples online if you look them up. There are also baby and mommy excerise videos out there (or at least I'm thinking there are!) :)

Best wishes! Energy vibes to you!

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