Photo by Warren Noronha
Now that I have older children, I have become blissfully used to a full night's sleep most of the time. But we still have the occasional nightmare, potty accident, or other situation that wakes me--like last night, for example.
Here's how I make it through the next day. Maybe a few of these points will help you as well.
1. Stay in bed later if you can.
I usually try to get up early to write, but I figure there's no use doing so if I haven't had enough sleep--so this morning I stayed in bed an extra 30 minutes.
2. Still get up (and get dressed) before your kids.
Those with young kids may not find this helpful, but I always seem to find that even tired days go better if I'm up and at least dressed before we officially start our days. If I don't get dressed I feel more exhausted and lethargic.
3. Put "rest" on your to-do list.
Even thinking of a to-do list on sleepy days can seem overwhelming. If I haven't had enough sleep, I'll write "rest" as a to-do. It reminds me that my rest is a legitimate need to consider and to not push myself too hard.
4. Get outside--even if only for ten minutes.
Fresh air rejuvenates. If you can combine this with a quick walk, all the better.
5. Make a happy list.
If you're like me, it's far too easy to fall into discouragement on a day without enough sleep. To combat this tendency to see the glass as half-empty, I like to make a happy list--of what I'm grateful for or of the good choices I notice my kids making that day.
Today I chose to make a list of what my kids are learning and exploring as we journey through the day together. This always encourages me.
And it goes without saying that the best course of action to take on a tired day is to go to sleep as soon as possible!
If this post inspired you, you can share it by using one of the links below:
