Quick Tips for the Sleep Deprived Mom

My first child did not sleep through the night until he was almost 2 and my second child is 10 months old and its not looking like he will be sleeping through the night anytime soon. Since I am a full time working mom, getting through the workday and the evenings is not always easy. There are days I am dragging. A couple of things that have finally started working for me are:

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1. Getting a solid 4-5 hours of sleep
I gave up on hoping and wishing for eight hours. I found I function of a good 4-5 hours and that is what I aim for. Of course, that baby doesn't always cooperate but that is why my husband is there.

2. Coffee
I love Coffee and Coffee loves me. Coffee is my best friend.

3. Get all the chores out the way as early as you can
I do not wait for the kids to go sleep to get things done. My husband and I take turns playing with the boys or doing certain chores while they are awake. We try to prepare for the next day as much as we can during this time too.

4. Go to bed when they go to bed
I go to bed as soon as the little is asleep so I can get as much sleep as possible. That is why I try to knock out everything I need to do while they are awake, so I can go to sleep and not think about what I need to do.

5. Let the house be messy sometimes
Sometimes you just have to accept that your house will be a mess. The only thing I worry about is dishes in the sink and everything else can wait until I am well rested and the weekend. Kids needs and your sanity are first and foremost. Those who love do not care about my mess, just like I wouldn't care about theirs.

Other tips:

Exercise: I am lucky if I have the time to get exercise in, but I do know that exercising can give you the energy you need.

Unplug: I do not get on my ipad or computer 30 minutes before bedtime. I find I have a harder time falling asleep if I am pinning stuff on pinterest before going to sleep. ;)