I have an 8 month old and he isn’t the most consistent sleeper.  Sometimes, I have to rely on other tools to get me through the day.  Over the years, (and after three kids) I have learned how to cope with inadequate and inconsistent sleep patterns. 

I’m sure we all know sleep is important but sometimes it is out of our control.  Whether it’s children, travel or just our mind not turning off when it’s time to sleep, I’ve got you covered.  

Soon, we will discuss sleep more in depth because it is so important and there are ways you can help improve the duration and the quality.  This is more your emergency tool kit when sleep evades you.

Here are 8 things I do when I need an extra dose of energy:

1. Move your body – this is the one I am often most resistant too but it reaps the highest rewards.  Getting the energy flowing.  Depending on the level of tiredness, I will opt for strength training, yoga or an easy walk.
2. Meditation/Self-Hypnosis – This state can be even more restful than sleep and I lean into it a lot for my work days.  I start almost every work day with an 11-minute meditation or self-hypnosis practice.  
3. Stop the “I’m tired” loop in your head – what you are saying to yourself has a huge effect on how you feel and behave.  It’s okay to acknowledge it once but then move on.  Shift to positive language, like “I have all the energy I need.”  Use your inner dialogue to help, not hinder.  
4. Get dressed.  In real clothes – resist the urge to put on sweatpants.  No one feels extra energized when they put on lounge clothes.  
5. Get out in the sunlight – this helps regulate hormones and your circadian rhythm to give you energy.  
6. Eat enough fat and protein – On days I’m not as well rested I tend to carb load and eat more sugar.  The blood sugar rollercoaster makes me feel even more tired.  So instead, I fill my meals with a little extra protein and fat to curb those afternoon carb cravings.  
7. Herbs –  I know most people reach for the coffee here but all that does is make you forget you are tired.  I like to support my energy and adrenals with natural herbs.  Some of my favorites are cordyceps, lion’s mane and coffee alternatives like Rasa (my new obsession!).  I also plan on trying Magic Mind (when I’m no longer breastfeeding), which coined itself “the world’s first productivity drink.”
8. Listen to this Energy Boost hypnosis – after really long nights I like to pop in my headphones and listen to this before I even get out of bed.  It’s also great when the afternoon slump hits.

I wish you nights full of sleep.

And mountains of energy by day.

But if those are ever elusive…

I hope you find these tips useful. 

P.S. I truly hope you are getting plenty of sleep and feel well rested always but for the times when it can’t be avoided, I hope you come back to these tips and use them.  Bookmark this article or save it to your Pinterest so you can easily find it when you need it the most!