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As a new mom, the idea of getting a decent amount of sleep every night is downright laughable. When your baby wakes up multiple times throughout the night, there’s just no way to get deep, high-quality sleep on a consistent basis.

A lack of sleep is par for the course when you become a new mom, but that definitely doesn’t mean that it’s easy to deal with.

If you’re struggling to stay awake and energized during the day but don’t necessarily want to chug a whole pot of coffee to keep yourself alert, keep reading. Listed below are five ways that you can get a natural, healthier energy boost.

1. Exercise

When you’re having a hard time keeping your eyes open, the last thing you want to do is exercise. While it can definitely be hard to motivate yourself to get up off the couch and get in some exercise, you’ll likely feel better after you do.

Regular exercise can help get your blood flowing and provide you with a natural energy boost. Remember, too, that you don’t have to go for a 5-mile run or spend an hour in the gym. Small bits of movement throughout the day add up.

Good examples of mini workouts that you can do a few times a day include:

• Going for walks

• Stretching

• Pedaling on a stationary bike

• Dancing to help lull your baby to sleep

• 15-20 repetitions of resistance exercise (push-ups, squats, planks, tricep dips, etc.)

2. Meditate

Meditation is another great tool that can help you clear your mind and feel more alert and energized. It’s especially beneficial on days when you’re feeling stressed and run down.

Many people — especially new moms — are intimidated by meditation and think that they can’t do it because they’re so anxious or tightly wound. In reality, though, these are the people who need meditation the most.

To reap the benefits of meditation, all you have to do is sit, stand, or lie down in a relatively quiet space and focus on the feeling of your breath coming in and out of your body. You don’t even have to close your eyes! After just a few minutes, you’ll have sent some fresh oxygen to your brain and will likely feel a little more energized.

3. Take a Multivitamin

If your body is not getting sufficient nutrients, you’re likely to feel fatigued. It’s especially important to make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals when you’re caring for a new baby and aren’t getting sufficient sleep.

There are lots of good vitamins for women to take, and lots of multivitamins are curated with new moms in mind. Look for one with plenty of iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Most women are iron-deficient, and new moms also need extra calcium and vitamin D.

If you have a hard time remembering to take your multivitamin, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder. You can also put it on your bedside table with a glass of water to remind you to take it first thing in the morning.

4. Sit Outside

Going outside and getting some fresh can work wonders for new moms who are struggling to stay alert. You’ll get bonus points if you sit or walk outside without your phone in your hand.

Spending time breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sunshine on your skin can give you an energy boost and help you feel more mentally clear. It can also be very meditative, so you can kill two energy-boosting birds with one stone.

5. Eat Energizing Foods

Finally, make sure your diet consists primarily of foods that will give you energy rather than drain you. This means stepping away from the sugary or salty snacks and turning to wholesome, nutrient-dense foods instead. Some good items to keep in your fridge and pantry include:

• Ground beef for iron and vitamin B12

• Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers

• Nuts for a source of protein, vitamin E, and fiber

• Dark chocolate to improve blood flow to the brain and boost your mood

• Dark leafy greens to oxygenate the blood, improve brain function, and provide a source of iron

Make sure you’re also drinking plenty of water. It’s easy for new moms, especially those who are breastfeeding, to get dehydrated, and dehydration can make you feel more tired than usual. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces each day.

Courtney P.

I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!

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