It doesn’t matter how much a parent loves their kids. It’s always a great feeling when their family goes to sleep because it means you can stop. You can stop the frantic activity that comes with keeping a child safe and occupied.
Exhausted parents are tempted to reach for another cup of coffee, but drinking coffee later in the day can just result in a worse crash later on, or it can prevent parents from getting enough sleep. Thankfully, there are plenty of other ways to boost energy levels later in the day.
Non-Carbonated Energy Drinks
Carbonated energy drinks are typically a young person’s game. They usually have colorful and outrageous designs on the cans. These are not products intended for older adults. But there’s an increasing number of non-carbonated energy drinks on the market that appeal more to parents in need of a quick energy boost.
There are many different non carbonated energy drinks flavors, and they’re easy to keep in a diaper bag or in the car console. Without carbonation, there’s no risk of the can spraying its contents everywhere on your outfit. You also avoid the bloated feeling that’s characteristic of standard energy drinks.
Morning Sunlight
Stepping outside for 10 minutes early in the day can help you to feel more awake and relaxed over the hours to come. The morning light suppresses melatonin and anchors your circadian clock, which is especially useful if your sleep schedule is being disrupted by a newborn. Even if the day is overcast, getting some outdoor light is much better than staying indoors because the natural light signals your brain that it should shift into daytime mode.
Protein and Complex Carbohydrates
Parents of newborns depend on quick, simple foods, often skipping meals in favor of eating things like nuts and yogurts throughout the day. When snacking like this, it’s easy to eat foods that will leave you feeling tired and lethargic later on.
For example, if you eat only simple carbohydrates, like a granola bar, your body burns them up quickly, leaving you feeling drained and hungry later in the day. Adding protein and foods that release glucose slows the rate of digestion and helps you stretch your energy throughout the late afternoon.
Hydration with Electrolytes
It’s possible to be dehydrated without your brain even registering it, meaning you won’t feel thirsty, but it can still cause fatigue. Parents who are dealing with the chaos of young children or are nursing lose fluids faster than they realize and need drinks offering hydration and electrolytes. Plain water alone often doesn’t cut it, so try adding an electrolyte tablet or a pinch of salt to your water. This improves fluid uptake and prevents debilitating dehydration.
Taking a Nap with Your Children
Children might take a nap in the afternoon, but parents usually don’t join them, often fearing that they’ll wake up feeling groggy and more exhausted than when they went to sleep. But if you set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes and nap before 2 p.m., you won’t enter a deep sleep, meaning you’ll wake up feeling much more refreshed.
Napping at the same time every day trains your body to fall asleep faster during that window, so if you stay consistent, you’ll be able to get a decent rest in a short 15 to 20-minute window.
Boosting Parent Energy Levels
Having young children is chaotic and rewarding. Sometimes it’s exhausting, but if you’re always tired, it’s a sign you should make some lifestyle changes. By getting enough sunlight, eating the right foods and drinks, and consistently taking an afternoon nap, you can significantly boost your energy levels.
If you’re interested in learning more about similar topics, see our other blog posts.