How to feel happier when you are exhausted
One of the most common struggles I hear from sleep deprived mums is that they feel low, fed up and anxious. When parents share this with me, I know exactly how they feel because I have been there when my former sleep thief was constantly waking every night for nearly a year.
Although it is normal for a child up to the age of 1 (and sometimes older) to be waking through the night, it doesn’t make it any easier for you as a parent. After all life is busy and stressful enough with work, running a house, looking after other children, nurturing relationships and trying to take care of yourself. It is no wonder constant sleep deprivation is making you feel so unhappy when it feels impossible to keep up with everything. I remember feeling like I was drowning when I was sleep deprived!
Today I share with you four key tips on how to feel happier when you are not sleeping.
Gratitude
The act of gratitude is so simple yet so overlooked. Being grateful when the going gets tough has been scientifically proven to boost happiness and resilience levels. I recommend you start with having a notepad by your bed and write down three things that you are grateful for each day. Committing to this everyday not only helps you see things from a different perspective but it challenges you to look for the positive in your day, which can be such a tricky thing to do when you are not sleeping.
Headspace
You may have heard me talk about meditation previously. Yes I know I talk about it a lot, but it helps millions across the globe to boost their happiness, so I couldn’t leave this one out. Currently being pregnant has meant my sleep quality has slightly decreased in the last few months. Naturally I found that this coupled with pregnancy hormones I was starting to feel increasingly anxious and grumpy. I already meditate once in the morning but found by increasing this to twice a day, I am starting to feel calmer, happier and less anxious. If you are not sure how to meditate, check out the app headspace which makes it so easy and enjoyable to learn
1 thing for you a day
Since becoming a mum and working with mums all across the U.K, I have quickly learnt that most mums are terrible at doing anything for themselves. Or if you do, you often feel guilty for it. I am true believer that you must regularly do something for yourself outside of parenting for your own emotional health. Let’s face it a happier parent = a happier child! FYI working on your business, being at work or spending time with your partner does not count. I am talking about quality time for you and just you. Now I know what you are thinking, “I don’t have time for that”, “I’m too busy”, “I am too tired”. Believe me I get it, I have been there but I recommend you do one small thing for you every single day, it doesn’t need to be anything that involves spending lots of money, time or energy. For example, spend 10 minutes reading a book, or if you are creative start drawing or painting, go for a short walk on your own, paint your toe nails, do a face mask. I mean even shave your legs! Just do something for you each day that makes you feel good and remember you are more than just a mum.
Music is the answer
I’ve noticed that since entering motherhood, I rarely listen to music which is a huge change for me because pre mum days music was such a big part of my life. I loved going to gigs and festivals and discovering new music. Until recently, all I seemed to listen to now is “Baa Baa Black Sheep”, “Hop Bunnies”, or “We are going on a bear hunt” which don’t tend to have the same affect. Isn’t it funny that your favourite song can take you back to an exact moment. I urge you to sit down and make a playlist of your happy songs and be sure to listen to it daily. Even if you are having the toughest day, your song has the power to change your mood in an instant!
There are my four top tips on how to feel happier when you are not sleeping. If you find your lack of sleep makes you feel low and frustrated, I would love to hear from you in the comments below. You may just help one mum to know they are not alone today.
