I once heard a saying that any number of kids is a lot of kids. I get it now. One child feels overwhelming, then you add another and think, oh man, one was so much easier! I’m sure that continues with each child you add to a family. Veteran moms, you tell me.
Like I’m sure is the same for all of you, kids or no kids, life is full right now. Full in a wonderful, yet demanding, way. I learned early on that to function and thrive on a full schedule I needed to do some prioritizing to take care of my basic needs so that I could be there to help care for others. Now, somehow I’m waking up earlier than I ever have, packing my day full of more than I ever have, yet I probably feel better (mentally and physically) than I ever have as well. Dare I say I feel like I’m in my prime?
I am loving this phase of life, but know that I might fall victim to its craziness if not for a few things that keep me sane, healthy and on track. Here are the things I do to keep me rolling on a daily basis…
Prioritize sleep. Sleep, probably even more than food, is a non-negotiable for me. Though I’m sometimes tempted to stay up a little later, whether to get things done or to just veg out with a TV show, I know I’ll regret it in the morning. 7-8 hours does me right. If my nighttime sleep isn’t as smooth sailing as I’d like, let’s say hypothetically from a cute little baby who has a tough time with teeth, then I will sneak in a 20 minute power nap in the afternoon or force myself into an earlier bedtime the next night. When Kailtyn was a newborn, I’d sometimes go to bed at 8:00. No shame in my game. I’ve seen what my emotions do on too little sleep and it ain’t pretty!
Eat well but not perfectly. Perfection is a concept I thankfully let go of a long time ago. However, I know that food does affect my mood. Loading up with fresh veggies, lean meats and healthy fats, prepping food at the beginning of the week and sitting down at the table to eat it with real utensils is ideal, but I don’t always have time. I just focus on doing the best I can. Yes, I like to post pretty food pictures on instagram, but that’s because no one cares to see the leftover pizza I housed at breakfast or the spoonful of peanut butter I ate from the jar while chasing a squirmy 9 month old up the stairs.
Keep moving. At this stage of life, having a strict exercise schedule just doesn’t work for me. However, I do feel so much better when I exercise, so I’m scheduling in 2-3 real sweat sessions a week (loving Burn Bootcamp, even if I am having trouble walking today… I’m looking at you squats!) and considering anything more than that a sweet bonus. Outside of intentional exercise, I try to stay on my feet as much a possible- cooking, running up and down stairs, going on nature walks, an occasional youtube yoga video, trying to change Kaitlyn’s diapers (it’s like a full on wrestling match every time). Luckily the girls help with keeping me moving on the regular and I actually weigh about 5 pounds less right now than I did on my wedding day. I feel stronger too. I never would have thought it!
Fill in the nutritional gaps. My energy stores are constantly being depleted. I obviously focus on eating high quality food, but I also depend of a high quality vitamin to pick up the slack. I take my Vitalizer every day (as does David) and consider it my nutritional insurance plan. It helps keep my energy high and my immunity strong because let’s be honest, no one has time to be sick. Knock on wood, but I can’t tell you the last time I was sick. I’m such a firm believer that a quality multivitamin goes a long way.
Drink a glass of wine. Of course, I mean this a little tongue-in-cheek in the cliche ‘mama needs her wine glass’ way, but there is some truth to it as well. There is something about holding that splash of wine in a fancy glass at the end of the day signifies that beneath the yoga pants and the messy ponytail there is an adult woman that is working her tail off. It signifies it’s time for me to let go of the day, with all its wins or losses, and enjoy some time as an adult, chatting about this crazy life with my partner in crime life. It’s one of my favorite times of the day and does wonders for my mental health.
Keep a solid support system. Play dates and play groups, phone calls (or day-long text conversations) with friends, chatting (typing) with y’all, catching up with my parents, rare coffee dates sans kids- they all add so much to my life and I am so grateful for them all. Keeping supportive, positive people around me helps me to stay focused on all the good in life too. You are who you hang with after all, right? I’m lucky to know some really inspiring people that keep me striving to be better myself… and who let me vent a little if life gets tough at times too.
Let go of the small stuff. If you drop by unannounced, my house will have toys thrown about and googly eyes scatted everywhere, the floors will be decorated with puppy paw prints and pots and pans will cover the counters as they are drying. My home isn’t a show house (thank goodness). It’s where we live and life is sometimes messy.
Now you tell me…
What helps keep your energy up and your motivation high?
John J. says
What a well rounded, holistic, life style you choose to stay healthy and energetic. Thanks for sharing and continuing to inspire!
Jodi says
Two words: Human Bean 🙂
Ok and lots of what you said. My other two biggest boosters are sleep and time w friends. Always make me a happy girl!!!
Btw: we need to hang out…. 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Soon! Whether is getting nice… I see some park days in our future!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
SLEEP. As you said there’s nothing else that can make or break a day for me.
Heather says
Hi! This article came at such a good time as I have a 3 year old and 3 week old and am pulling the 3 year old out of daycare at the end of this month and wondering how I’m going to do it all! Thank you for sharing!
A question I’ve been meaning to ask… Does Hailey take vitamins? What kind do you use? I’m struggling to find ones I like for my older daughter.
Brittany Dixon says
Those first couple months with two are just a matter of survival, right? Kaitlyn arrived just as Hailey’s preschool mornings ended so it feels like the days are so full with two, but overtime it all starts to roll. You’ll do amazing with both!
Hailey does take a vitamin. I wrote a post about it here if you want to check it out! Feel free to email me too if you have any questions. 🙂
http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/friday-favorite-childrens-vitamins/
Katie says
I try not to sweat the small stuff, and remind myself that as long as I’m trying, i’m okay. I’ve got a lot of big questions to figure out, where to live where to work, etc, and I’ve decided that God has a plan and it will work out. On a daily basis I’m like you: I try to work out semi-regulary, have a glass of wine or two (but not get a debilitating hangover, the recovery time is too long), and see friends or at least text.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh yes! I just can’t handle hangovers anymore now that laying on the couch all day isn’t an option 😉 Two glasses is my usual max nowadays 🙂
Taca @ A Side Of Dessert says
I absolutely love the things you have highlighted in this post! My favourite: letting go of perfection, not worrying about the small stuff and the glass of wine! I also agree that when I don’t get enough sleep, I’m not exactly the best person to be around ;). Thank you for sharing everything!
Danielle says
I love your blog! It’s so honest and I really enjoy following along as your girls grow (my little girls are 2 1/2 yr old & 9 months :). For me sleep and eating healthy is huge for me! Also, trying to sneak in a workout at least 3-4 days/week after the girls go to bed. I wondered if you could share some more specific info on the Vitamins you and David take. My family takes Honest Company vitamins, but I’d love to learn more about the product you use. Thanks!!
Brittany Dixon says
Aw, I love that our girls are so close in age! It’s crazy but wonderful (most days) right?! 🙂
For about a year and a half we’ve (Hailey too) taken Shaklee’s vitamins. I did a lot of research on the subject since I was pregnant when we switched. I was really impressed by their dedication to purity and quality (they run 350 tests on each botanical ingredient to check for contaminants and 240 more tests for pesticides than is actually required by the US Pharmacopeia and have clinical research that shows they actually are absorbed/work, etc).
If you are interested, shoot me an email at brittany@ahealthysliceoflife.com and I’m happy to send you some more info.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Sleeeeep! And nutrition (not perfect, but good…like you say). Those are my top two. If I can nail those down, everything else seems to fall into place.
tiff @ love, sweat, & beers says
Thanks! I do well with sleep and a schedule. Matter of fact, my schedule is in need of some updating… 🙂
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
Having just joined the parenthood club of two, I am totally with you. The first two months with a newborn and a toddler was pretty scary! But now that the newborn is a little older and sleeping better, I feel (a bit more) in control.
Sleep is high on the list and I try to avoid sugar — I find that sugar saps my energy and sends me on a rollercoaster of ups and downs. And, being a SAHM, I find that having something to look forward to at the end of the week: dinner out with the family or a social gathering with friends keeps me motivated to get through the week.
Brittany Dixon says
Great point Marnie! I totally agree that limiting sugar really helps keep my energy steady. …as does an occasional weekend date night! 😉
Elizabeth Evans says
I really like this post! Thanks for letting us in on what helps you!
Most of the time I feel like I’m a sinking ship trying to keep up with my 2 little ones, my husband, dog, part time job, house, endless piles of laundry and myself. When I do feel accomplished and like I’m somewhat sane it’s usually after I’ve managed to squeeze in some exercise. It’s absolutely amazing what 30-60 minutes of a gym class can do!
Stacy Robinson says
I’ll take the bait–you’re kidding, right? No real job, finances don’t seem to be an issue, beautiful home, kids with no major health issues or disabilities. Yeah, sounds rough. Good luck with that!
Rachel says
Right, because she couldn’t possibly be tired or stressed or worried like a normal human being? Taking care of two kids full time sounds EXHAUSTING to me, and my friends who are stay at home moms tell me that I’m right. I like Brittany a lot so I won’t disrespect her blog by telling you exactly how I feel about your bitter, jealous sounding comment. Go find something else to occupy your time.
Lisa O says
I think this comment says a lot more about Stacy than Brittany. Whatever your situation is Stacy, I hope you manage to find positives in your day too. I appreciate Brittany sharing what works for her, even if we don’t share identical lives, and I think trying to shame her for not having a hardship you might be shouldering isn’t very fair.
Heather says
I know I feel better when I get in some exercise, even if it’s just a little bit here and there, so I try to sneak some in every day in the morning and am trying to fit in a routine in the evenings. I’m also a big of relaxing with a glass of wine in the evening. I may not get to finish it (depending on the kiddos), but it’s my way of letting out a heavy sigh and relaxing after a long day. Just as important is a hot cup of coffee in the morning. My favorite part of the morning is catching up on a few blogs while drinking coffee. On the weekends I typically have to reheat it several times due to being distracted, but the kids usually let me savor that first cup while we quietly read/play. Then I’m ready to go.
Jerrica says
I have a 3 and 5 yr old and I have been exhausted since…well, 5 years ago! I am fortunate that I live in a place with 320+ days of sunshine so my my biggest energy boost is getting outside! We spend a lot of our time outside but man, by 5 pm I am beat! My husband puts the kids to bed and I fall into bed myself by 730. Sleep and sunshine do wonders for me!
Ashley says
Sometimes you know just what I need to read! I felt SO on top of my game after having Emily – weighed an all-time low without trying, felt healthy, and had so much energy. With two, I’m 4 months in, busier than ever, and cannot seem to lose the weight, have zero energy, and wake up each day exhausted. I’ve added short 20 minute workouts this week – which has improved my short term energy and definitely improved my mental state. Thinking that and vitamins might help my mental haze! (I already do all of the other things!) Thank you for your constant virtual support.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Cheers to wine! 😀
Maria says
As someone who hear continuous horror stories from friends and coworkers about being tired 24/7 after having children (which I’m sure is true to some extent), this is refreshing to read. I love love love my sleep so if I have to go to bed at 8pm to get in my hours, so be it. We want to expand our family at some point and to be honest, the lack of sleep is what scares me the most. I know I can take care of a baby and give it a warm and loving home, but I also know I turn into a non-functioning beast when I get less than 7 hours of sleep 🙂
Jen says
Great post 🙂
Now I feel like maybe I should be accomplishing even more since I only have one little on, ha! (I kid, I kid.)
I am right there with you on the sleep. If I don’t get enough, I just can’t function. I have no idea how i survived the first six months. Everything you said is right on the money. I would say the one additional thing i do every single night is meditate and list what I’m grateful for while I’m sitting in bed. I like the routine and it helps me end the day on a high note.
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy says
Sounds like me as a mom of 1! haha!
Sleep for me is also a no brainer…I’m a cranky mess with less than 6 hours. When Wyatt was a little baby, I’d go to bed around 8 so I could fully recharge my batteries. I did get 8 hours in (sporadically from 8 – 8 ish).
Wine is also something I cannot give up! I love my glass after I put Wyatt to bed.
Liz says
I agree with the glass of wine it’s such a nice end to the day. What really sets me up for a great day is my morning routine more than anything and exercise
Lauren Brennan says
Coffee.
Lauren Brennan says
Oh, and being outside in the sunshine and fresh air! 😉
amber says
Considering the fact that I am on #3 come October, I will Def keep this blog in mind. For some reason the one thing I can’t get down is a tight schedule. It always gets all screwed up then 8 on bed time turns to 8 30 and so on. Lol. But with number 3. I really need to make sure things are in better order. I’ll try.
Lisa O says
This was such a great blog. I really need some inspiration at the momen as unfortunately I’m feeling the opposite with a 6-month-old waking twice a night and somehow my 3-year-old shifting her 7/7.30 wake up to 6/6.15… It’s killing me! But it’s nice to read this blog and think if wats to put the ball back in my court and try ways I can inject more energy!
I currently rely on a daily latte fix, exercise at least 3 x per week and chatting with my mum! And some weekend time a alone when husband is home makes a big difference.
Thanks for the positive post, I’ll definitely be referring to this one plenty!! Xx
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
Sleep is a total non-negotiable for me too! I go to bed at 9 every night since my 6 month old still wakes up a ton. Sadly, I’m still nowhere near getting my necessary 8 hrs of sleep. Oh boy I can’t wait til i do again!
You’re doing such a great job parenting two little ones! I’m scared to have another, haha.
Jennifer says
Yes! All so true! Thanks for the reminders. I just had my second baby in January and the last six months have been wonderful and chaotic all at the same time. I’ve recently started a better morning routine to help keep my energy up and my spirits too! I drink warm lemon water and try to fit a workout in right as the day starts!