5 Ways to Stay Awake After a Late Night with Kids
If you are a mom, you know how it is when your baby just decides that sleep is highly overrated for a night or two, or your toddler figures 3 am is a fine time to get up and play. As a work at home mom, you have a bit more flexibility than a mom who has to go in to work . . . but there are times when deadlines loom and you just spent two nights trying to calm a colicky infant and are dozing off at the computer. Here are five ways to stay awake long enough to get your work in on time after one or two of those nights:
1. Coffee. It´s a bad habit, but it works. And once in a while, you even need it. Anything with caffeine and sugar will help, so if Pepsi is your poison, go with it and deal with calories later.
2. Breakfast. Without fuel, your brain isn´t going to go any faster. Even a quick bowl of yogurt, cornflakes or a banana will help you wake up and stay more alert. It doesn´t have to be anything complicated.
3. Exercise. Yeah, I know, the last thing you want to do after sleeping only 2 broken hours in the past two days is go for a jog, but it does help you wake up. Take a quick jaunt around the block or even do some jumping jacks in the living room to get that blood pumping.
4. Shower. Turn the water temperature down a bit so you get cooler water . . . it´s bound to jolt you into consciousness! Not pleasant, but definitely a good last resort method.
5. Cold air. Turn on a fan and point it at your face while you work. A splash of water on the face can really help this one work better. Often having some chilly air will zap you back into the real world, at least, long enough to get some work done!
It´s not easy having to work while sleep deprived. And often it´s a tossup between taking a nap or working during the baby´s morning sleep . . . work is the winner too often. As moms, our first obligation is to our children and that can be hard to remember. Obviously, you need to meet deadlines, but if you have a bit of leeway, take it. Lay down and doze off for half an hour, you`ll be more refreshed later and able to work a bit more. Even with a toddler begging you to play cars.
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Well, certainly a helpful article to moms that don’t get much sleep! My sister just had a baby, and I am pregnant with my first. she keeps telling me that when the baby comes, I will learn that sleep is for sissies. lol
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Great tips on how to deal when your are lacking sleep. I am a mother of 4 and certainly have had my share of sleepless nights. I had a horrible time just trying to get my first baby sleep at all. Thanks for the good solid info!!!