exhausted, need energy, how do you do it??

Question

I have a 4 month old, full time job with overtime and I'm basically a single parent half the month because my hubby is in the military and goes out for days at a time.... Anyway to the point, I am just exhausted all the time, what can I do for more energy.. I don't have family here to help care for baby.. I actually have felt sick for the past couple of weeks, I've tried stacker pills, and caffeine, and sleep, and nothing seems to work.. Any suggestions.. please help. I feel like I'm going crazy sometimes...

But I know it's hard with a baby and everything, but he only gets up once a night, and he never cries unless he's hungry.. He's very low maintenence..

Answer 1

As much as I understand your efforts to increase energy you are going about it all wrong. Using quick fixes like caffeine is not going to help you in the long run. The caffeine may seem to help for an hour or so but it has been proven that in the long run it decreases energy and increases fatigue even more. It is understandable that you are tired and have your hands full with your new little one, believe me I do understand. For the very best results of increasing energy you need to take vitamins, eat as healthy as possible (fresh fruits and veggies), drink lots of water, and exercise. Those things are more difficult to do than grabbing a cup of coffee or soda and take a little longer for results but believe me the benefits are overwhelming. Do you have a friend that can watch the baby for a day so you can get uninterrupted rest and maybe spend some time pampering yourself? All moms need a little selfish me time. You deserve it. Your body has worked alot in the last year.

Answer 2

One thing to add to what everyone else has said. Sugar and caffeine give you a quick burst of energy, but then an hour or so later, you'll crash and have a lot less energy. Eating protein helps prevent that sugar crash and gives you a more sustainable energy boost. Instead of grabbing a soda, coffee, or a sugary breakfast food, try eating eggs, milk, or yogurt first thing in the morning.

Also, a quick 5 minute walk can help perk you up. I know it's hard to work it in, especially with the jam-packed life it sounds like you've got. Maybe putting your baby on your hip and speedwalking around the house a few times might be possible.

The caffeine and pills might actually be making you feel sicker than you already would so I'd try to cut that out.

Is it possible you're still suffering from some post-partum depression? Sometimes depression can express itself in physical symptoms like fatigue and "feeling sick". If so, talk it over with your doctor.

It sounds like you've got a really tough road right now. Raising a 4 month-old is really tough, even when the 4yearold is low maintenance. However, as he/she gets older, it will be more rewarding. It's easier to take as the fun stuff starts. Hang in there.

Answer 3

I'm a single mom with 5 kids aged 17, 16, 8, 8, and 7. I've been a single mom for the past 7-1/2 years. I work full-time, I go to school full-time, and I'm a mom full-time. It's a tiring scenario - but sometimes you just have to say "hey this is the hand that was dealt to me" and move forward. There's never a day I go to bed and am not totally exhausted, and there's never a time when I get to sleep in, or nap during the day. Exercise has helped me - as silly as that sounds. I find that if I exercise for 15 or 20 minutes I get my "2nd wind". First though, since you're feeling ill you should consult with your doctor to see if there is a medical reason for this.

Answer 4

If you get enough sleep then how do you sleep? are you still tired in the morning? ... Sleep Apnea?
Do you eat enough and what do you eat? Fast food will take a toll on you. Also do you intake enough watter?
Are you happy with your life right now. Are you feeling depressed?
Maby you need to take a day off from work and relax. Maby you and your hubby need a little vacation maby a 4 day to sleep and relax together? Don't try Stacker and Hydroxycut or other things like that all that does is gives you a burst of energy and then you crash. Try some exercise in the morning. Drink plenty of water and eat right.

Good luck hun

Answer 5

First of all, you shoudl have your thyroid checked!!!! I did 2 years ago, ended up having hypo thyroid, and once we got it under control i was a new woman. Second of all, is there some sort of help you can hire ( is that an option?) my husband is gone 10 days at a time in the oil feild, andi am 8 months pregnant with a 2yr old and 3 yr old..... i had to swallow my pride and suck it up and hire a little help.... as much as i wish i was super mom I AM NOT i dont have family close by either, so yes it is tough. But you need to find an outlet, or some help....being withyour hubby in the military...isnt there some military wives that can help you out? im just throwing out ideas...i dont know your situation, so dont think i am judging...just trying to help!!!:) but get some rest...somehow!

Answer 6

I don't think caffeine or pills is the answer here. If it's energy brought on by something you put in your body--I think that should be an extremely last resort.

Just relax--that's the first thing. Find something that keeps your 4 month old occupied and take some time to sit back for awhile and read or soak your feet.

Maybe find a friend or a neighbor to watch your baby for 30 or 40 minutes while you take a nice relaxing bath.

Answer 7

After my second child was born, I suffered exhaustion to an extreme level. It took 7 years to finally be diagnosed with CFS...Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which is caused by a VIRUS.

See your doctor if you are genuinely feeling that you are way more tired than other people who are in your same basic position.
There are homonal assists and ways to help combat that virus.

Otherwise, find a vitamin B-12 or Bcomplex that can be taken subliminal (Under the tongue). B vitamins are two big to do much good when simply taken orally. There are alos B-12 injections available.

Answer 8

God Bless you, you are a very hard worker. I am a mother of two, 7 year old and 8 month old, and I am always tired, and I have my hubby here. How do you do it? You are "Wonder Woman". Well i would suggest going to the doc, if you have not felt better after sleep, than it could be stress. You need to be as healthy as possible for your baby. I wish you well and luck!

Answer 9

Start by taking a deep breathe.
Take a cool shower, drink a glass of water,
and start cleaning one room at a time.
Don't worry about the other rooms until you have
finish the first one.
As far as the baby is concern, again,
take one thing/ chore at a time..
All babies need a bathe, a bottle, and much sleep..
Water is a cure for all as far as a baby goes..
The water relaxes the child, and you too..
There is more time than you can imagine.
Sometimes we are so worried about so
many things that have to be done that..
In reality, we are making a mountain out of a molehill.
There is no need for pills..No need if you plan out your day(s)
correctly putting you and your baby first....
Ask your relatives or neighbors for help..At
least for an hour or so..
Pay them back by baking goods, helping them
in other chores, or simply being a good neighbor...
Good luck........

Answer 10

Try getting a babysitter for your 4 month old. And for you, try getting a spa treatmeant every two weeks or so. Or maybe do something you enjoy like scrapbooking, or yoga, or whatever other hobbies float your boat! But when you do this stuff, make sure the baby is in good hands when it comes to babysitters!! Hope I could help!! Hope you feel better!