what happens when you run on empty

What happens when you run on empty

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What Happens When You Run On Empty

Here we are a week into the new year and I basically have one “New Years resolution” that I’m trying desperately to stick to–to take better care of myself.

With my Simplifying the Season series at the end of last year I pushed myself to stop pushing myself. I tried to take a step back and relax. I tried to say no more often to the things that didn’t matter and yes to the things that did.

And it worked.

Sort of.

I did notice a difference in a lot of areas. For example, even though I hosted Thanksgiving it was one of the least stressful and most enjoyable that I can remember in awhile. My hubby helped my get the wrapping done early so I didn’t have a late-night wrapping session on Christmas Eve. I was able to keep my kitchen cleaned because I forwent all the massive baking for friends and neighbors and delivered jam that I’d made instead. Some of the links in this post contain affiliates. As always, all opinions are my own.

 

What Happens When You Run On Empty

Blanket (similar)

 

However, I still found myself completely worn out and by the time Christmas came around my body had no choice but to give in to the cold it had been battling for a month. I still had a nice holiday, I was able to get everything done that I needed to and we spent time with family, but my energy level to fully participate with everyone was gone, and who wants to hang out with a snotty, coughing mess anyway?

The worst part was that I had nobody to blame but myself. I had worn myself out by burning the candle at both ends for months. Staying up late to get things done, waking up with the kids and being on my feet all day, sometimes realizing as I was tucking the kids in at night that I hadn’t eaten anything all day, literally.

Sound familiar? Unfortunately, I think that my dilemma is all too real for a lot of parents. There are only so many hours in a day and way too much to try and accomplish in them. So, what are some solutions? What can we do to stay sane and take care of ourselves? How can we get everything done in the little time we’re allotted?

 

What Happens When You Run On Empty

Shirt // Leggings (Lularoe, similar here) // Earrings

 

Prioritize

I have been using paper planners ever since middle school. I have always loved writing things down and then crossing them off. When I start getting lazy and not taking the time to do this, that’s when I start getting overwhelmed. The things that need to get done seem to get pushed off and I get bogged down with the things that could have waited. Keep track of your to-do list and prioritize the things that need to happen right away and the things that can wait awhile. Also, think about the things that don’t need to be done at all. Do you have to bake cookies for the PTA bake sale, or can you quickly pick some up instead?

Sleep Comes First

Sleep is the hardest one for me to try and improve on. As a busy mom it is so easy to feel like I need those hours after my little ones go to bed (around 7:30) to get all the things done that I couldn’t accomplish during the day when they were awake. If you want to go to bed earlier start small–try just 20 minutes earlier than you’ve done in the past at first. You might find that your body is used to staying up late and you have a hard time falling asleep at first. Consider getting a white noise machine, saying no to screen time before bed, or using essential oils to help yourself relax.

Food is Fuel

I was not exaggerating when I said there would be days that I would realize that I hadn’t eaten anything all day. There were also days when most of my food consisted of the scraps off my children’s plates; not that that’s much better. Thanks to my low carb “diet” (it’s really more of my lifestyle now) I don’t feel like I eat very unhealthy, but I need to work on eating more. Which is funny because I feel like this is the time of year when people are saying the opposite.  Having easy access to quick meals I can grab after getting my kids fed has been key for me, such as pre-mixed salad kits. There’s one that I love from Costco that I could eat every day (and I practically do). And although I will always have a deep love for Diet Coke, I’ve been challenging myself to drink more water and I’m challenging you to do the same thing! My goal has been 132 ounces, which is 44 ounces (which I typically drink in soda every day) three times a day. 132 ounces is also more than a gallon, so that’s a lot of water!

Recharge

There are so many ways that you can recharge, some free and simple, some most time consuming and far more expensive. Looking for something free? Soak in a hot bath, read a book, or go window shopping alone, no kids! Something that costs a little bit more? Plan a lunch out with some friends, get a manicure, or go see a movie by yourself (are you sensing a theme here??). My favorite way to recharge, but definitely the most costly, is when my husband and I can get away just the two of us (I really do love my kids even though it seems like I never want to be with them. That’s not the case, I promise!). Whether it’s a couple quick nights away somewhere close, or a week long cruise (which we get to do later this month!!!), I also feel so refreshed after spending some quality time with my hubby.

Do you struggle with making yourself a priority? I want to know one thing you’re going to work  on to take better care of yourself!