A friend told me the other day that she was so tired all of the time and living in a sort of fog. It made me think about my anemia and how I’ve had to pursue alternate medicine in order to”fix” it and counter fatigue.
Her symptoms were exactly how I felt, and I knew what to say to reassure her that this was not fatal. It was probably the worst of three worlds. Hectic mom, over diversified professional (juggling two or three careers) and ultimate stress – financial chains and work pressure.
If this sounds like you, here is advice from one exhausted working parent to another.
1. Iron pills be gone. Find alternative methods to help with fatigue. I chose acupuncture and herbs. My family doctor (allopathic) was convinced my acupuncture treatment was a placebo. He then had my blood tested and sent a letter confirming that my anemia was gone! Not placebo.
2. Exercise. I am failing at this, but I know it’s important. Even when I walk the dog I feel like I am clearing my head and breathing enough fresh air in the afternoon to wake up.
3. Give up that extra cup of coffee. I know, I am so guilty of at least two cups a day. But I am also trying to wean myself with decaf. It’s amazing how much more alive and awake I feel when I’m NOT drinking too much coffee.
4. Give yourself permission to do something for you. The hardest part about parenting is finding time for just you. Is it a day off, a massage, a workout, asking for a four day work week? Whatever it is, really – it’s time you took care of yourself so you can be around longer for those busy kids!
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