Advice please

LuvinLife

Hi everyone,

It has been a very long time since I have been on here and I have gained back about 20 lbs of the 50 I had lost last year. My life has changed drastically, hopefully for the better, but the big change that really affects my food and exercise is lack of sleep. I am a married 35 yo mother of 4. I am taking 14 credits at the local college and I work 3 days a week, afternoons(2p-10p) as a Nurse's Asst. My sleep schedule is way inconsistent and I never get enough. Because I am tired, I am hungry!!!! I believe it is my body's coping mechanism to get more energy.

I used to be on a pretty strict schedule, so I could exercise at about the same time every day. This worked well for me. Now, I am hoping to find time, kind of look at my week and see where I can fit it in, but I am not so good at the inconsistent schedule. And I am just so tired all the time. I won't work out on the days that I work. I actually end walking 4-5miles during my shift.

I was just hoping that you all might have some advice on how far I should push it? I used to walk 3-4 miles at a 4mph rate. I am really trying to find ways to get more sleep, but it has not been easy. I have been able to get 1 crash night per week. I get about 7 hours that night, woohoo!

I know I have to get my eating under control and am putting more fruits & veggies to snack on so that I am not tempted to get sugary junk.

Sorry for the long story. Just looking for some support and will be getting on here more often.

Thanks all!!
Claire

scrappy11

Hi Claire, I hear ya when it comes to lack of sleep. I am in nursing school (Only a year and a half left) and I get about one to two crash nights per week too. I don't have children but I do work overnights which make me stay awake for sometimes 30 hours at a time. It is really hard on the body but I just keep pushing myself and telling myself that I only have a year and a half to go. Is there any way that you can cut back on work or just go part time at school instead of full time? Stress really makes the body more hungry because you are so tense that you need more calories. I know that sounds funny, but it is true. I think that cutting back on something is the way to go if you can..I know it is hard...but sleep is really important. Sooner or later you will probably get sick due to the lack of sleep and that would be really hard on you too to miss out on those days of school and work. So, do your best and keep up the good work. You are a hard working mama!!! :happy:

havingitall

Is there things that your husband can do to help with the kids so you get more time to sleep? If you continue at this pace, you will get sick and will be of no help to anyone. You need to make time for yourself to sleep and exercise in order to be a better wife and mother, as well as student and employee.

mappy

Hello Claire,

What a great work ethic and show of commitment! It will all pay off, you'll see.

My schedule is never the same each month either - between work, church committees, board meetings, and regular married life, I find myself exercising whenever I can fit it in - 5:00 am, 1:00 pm or sometimes right before I go to bed. I am also practical. I like being a size 8 and I cannot afford to buy all new clothes. As you know, having to wear clothes that are too tight all day causes stress in so many ways, physical and emotional.

The point is: Don't wait for a nice routine life (how boring). Squeeze exercise in somewhere. It will help your sleep, concentration in school, energy, and body weight.

Given your schedule, this may not apply to you but ....... Never just sit in front of the TV doing nothing. Exercise.

At work: I have a set of 8 pound hand weights under my desk. I get a lot of arm work in.

You absolutely need your sleep! As a healthcare professional we cannot have you coming down with pneumonia, strep throat, or the flu, especially H1N1.

Good luck to you Claire. You are a fine example of dedication and achievement for your children.
What a lucky family.