Mum Energy Levels

[ShoddyCustomerCare]

Hi all.

Just looking for some advice and support really. I started going to my local gym a out a month ago, I try to go to 3 classes a week but this is dependant on childcare.

I guess my question is - when do energy levels start to improve? No my diet isn't the best it can be so I must work on that first and foremost. My 8mo baby is usually up 2 or 3 times a night, sometimes for a bottle or just a settle so I am not massively sleep deprived. Not breastfeeding.

Did anyone else find it has taken a while to improve energy levels? I know the less I move the more lethargic I become so I was really hoping working out 3 times a week would improve them.

Classes range from boogie fit/zumba, pilates, yoga, metafit etc. A good selection which I try really hard in. Trying to keep my motivation up but sometimes I just feel like it's wiping me out!

Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I know it's hard work to look after ourselves when raising small children and added to that I am pretty clueless having been sedentary for too long.

Two or three getups a night would ruin me I'm afraid!! So it sounds like you are doing well to manage three classes a week with that backdrop. Could you cosleep to improve the situation? I did with mine until he was about 2. We both slept waaay better. Every mum/ child is different though. I fully recognise that doesn't work for everyone.

Sounds like you accept your diet is an issue. I certainly find if I have a day eating 'crap' I feel lethargic. It becomes a viscious circle if I'm not careful. When I eat well it absolutely gives me more energy. Likewise drinking and plenty of water.

Could you try and do daylight stuff with baby - eg get out for a daily buggy or sling walk? It's tough at this time of year and the lack of daylight can certainly make you feel more lethargic (it does me anyway). I do find outdoor exercise in daylight hours makes a difference though. You could maybe use a pedometer/ step counter on your phone and aim to do a bit more each day? You might find that helps your energy levels.

I know I'm always way better doing any exercise first thing... I'll then be absolutely buzzing for the rest of the day. Again everyone is different. When DS was tiny and I was still on Mat leave I'd get up really early to do my exercise. DP would sort DS out before tootling off to work as soon as I got in.

Hello thank you so much for responding. Lots of good advice there. I think I should heed your example and get up early to do some exercise. Even if it is short and sweet it will be better than nothing and hopefully give me a little boost for the day.

Water also - ridiculous how little I am drinking recently when I usually drink water and diluting juice by the litre! Will absolutely up that.

Outside walking - I really need to get into the swing of it, the weather is generally miserable where I am but that's what jackets are for! I could maybe download some albums or book on audible and have one earbud in, that might make it more appealing.

Thanks again for your advice! Fingers crossed I can make something of it and gain some energy soon.

There's no one simple answer, but the main things that will make an immediate difference to your energy levels are giving up alcohol completely, doing more exercise, and eating better.

And those three things all go hand in hand - ie if you nail one of them, you'll start feeling a bit better and more motivated to keep going, so the others will be easier to sort out as well.