Ideally, pregnant women should nap every day. This is especially important during the first and third trimesters when exhaustion is at its peak. However, napping is not always possible. Mothers to be who work or are home with other children have a difficult time getting rest during the day.
If you work full time, there are some things you can do to feel revitalized. The hours after lunch are when most people feel tired at work, whether they are pregnant or not. This time is sometimes referred to as the afternoon slump. When you are expecting a baby, you can’t chug coffee for an afternoon pick me up.
Try to close your eyes for at least a few minutes during your lunch hour. You probably won’t have time to sleep, but just resting your eyes can have a positive effect on your afternoon. Sit back and shut your eyes for the last ten minutes of your lunch hour. This can help you feel rested and refreshed, even without actually sleeping.
Take a short walk during your lunch hour and other breaks. Whenever possible, walk outside even if it’s just a few minutes. The fresh air will help you feel revitalized. Take a few deep breathes. When you get back to your desk, you will feel like a new woman.
A drop in blood sugar can contribute to feeling tired in the late afternoon. Pack healthy snacks to combat this drop in your blood pressure. This will keep you away from the vending machines, which are full of unhealthy alternatives that are high in simple carbohydrates, such as sugar. Combine a protein food source with complex carbohydrates for best results. Try apple slices and cheese, yogurt and an apple or peanut butter on whole wheat crackers.
Be sure to stay hydrated. The air in office buildings contributes to dehydration, which adds to feelings of tiredness. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay well hydrated. If you feel thirsty, you are already getting dehydrated, so sip on water all day.
If you are still feeling tired, visit the ladies’ room. You can splash some cold water on your face. A bottle to mist the water on your face also works well. Pat some water on your neck as well. Brush your hair and touch up your makeup. You will look and feel a lot better when you return to your office.
Make up for lost rest during the day when you get home. Use the crock pot for fast dinners. Cook a lot on Sunday and freeze meals for the week. All you will have to do is pop it in the oven and set the timer. Use this time to lie down on the sofa and close your eyes. Get to bed early. The best cure for exhaustion is sleep.
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