As it is I'm a shiftworker and have two kids under 4, they attend daycare three days a week at the moment.
When I have days off with them all I feel like doing is a massive clean or when it is clean I just want to lounge around.
I feel bad for the kids that I don't have the energy to play or want to take them out when hubby is at work (we only have one car anyway) or I want to clean the house up before playing but then I'm too tired. Hubby does help he mainly cooks dinner but when he cleans he only ever does a half decent job requiring me to finish it.
Virtually I'm asking on how mums have managed to change themselves mentally and physically for everything that's needed for little kids.
I'm am of a healthy weight but have a bit of flab especially stomach wise I want to get rid of and smoke (planning to quit soon, just building my will power to go cold turkey) and I drink a lot of coffee to try and stay awake. I know if I can get healthy myself I will be more willing to do more with the kids but I don't know where or how to start as gyms are out the question due to well money, time and will power to go.
Sorry for such a long winded question I just want to change my lifestyle just don't know where to start.
9 Replies
Can you change jobs? Shift work can do this to you because you don't sleep in a regular cycle.
Well I've been doing this job for 5 years now and finally I am working more stable hours normally around 9-am-1pm starting time. It's more the fact that sometimes I can work up to 10 days straight, usually I have 3-4 days off following but can be tiring.
And financially I could not leave this job, I'm earning nearly three times as much as I was in my previous job and everything else about the job I find perfect.
damn, thought it was worth saying, hope you find something that works
Thanks for trying :)
Don't sit down lol I know that sounds like weird advice but I find as soon as I sit down and get comfy it makes me tired if I try and keep going it's easier then stopping then trying to get back up. I find if I do a little bit of excercise even a 10 min walk on the tredmill it actually gives me energy and a boost. Also take a bucket load of vitamins! Vitamin B groups, iron etc
Are you on multi-vitamins? You could just be lacking energy. Coffee doesn't do much for the long term. Exercise is great for building endorphin's your happier and more energetic I know you said you struggle to find the will power but a half hour stroll does wonders for the body and mind (put both kids in a pram and take a walk around the block or to your local deli). Did you know eating an apple wakes you up more than a cup of coffee does. I found when I got to this point when my kids were younger I had to think do I want a clean house or do I want to spend time with my kids I knew what I preferred clean houses aren't all that and a bit of mess wont hurt you or them.
Its definaly hard and the curse of a working mother! I found that i had to lower my standards-alot. As the kids (and my sleep) had to come first. Is it viable to hire a cleaner one day a week or fortnight? Just to do big jobs like mop, bathroom, vaccume, maybe a bit of dusting etc. That way you can relax a bit more and have at least one day to spend with the kids.
Also just leave the kitchen when hubby does it, as long as theres not still food laying around then its fine, and then once a week or once a month do a big clean in there.
I cut back on ironing, daily vaccuming (i bought a roomba) and when im time poor i get woolworths home delivered groceries. Just try to cut corners where you can, and not put too much pressure on yourself.
Thanks I too leave the ironing to once a week or fortnight depending on how much there is. The house isnt spotless but just the basic mopping, dishes washing can be so time consuming! Haha I may look into a cleaner, would be very helpful! Luckily hubby does most the grocery shopping (of course I give him a list though haha)
I will definitely look into taking multi vitamins too as I haven't been on any since breastfeeding so that may help. Plus we've just ordered a brand new bed for us so I'm hoping that will help me get a better nights sleep. Thanks for all the advice, I may look at every little thing I do daily and see what I can adjust :)
I could've written this post my self 3 months ago, though I'm a single parent doing shift work with a 5 and 7 year old. I gave up smoking 3 months ago and I'm a completely different person, I have LOADS more energy! I can't sleep in for the life of me so I get up, do all the house work then I have pretty much the whole day to play with the kids. Good on you for wanting to better yourself, good luck :)