Help for waking up earlier!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2007
Help for waking up earlier!
8
Mon, 03-26-2007 - 4:20pm
So, i have been a single mom for almost a year now and I still cannot make myself wake up and exercise and have some quiet time like I used to before my divorce. I realize being a single mom is harder, however, my ex husband didn't really help out anyway, but I have no energy to get out of bed. I have tried sleeping in my workout clothes to setting 3 alarms and putting them in different places in my room... anyone have any other ideas? The lack of exercise and alone time is causing more and more stress build up!!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 03-26-2007 - 9:57pm

Hi, and welcome to the board Melodie :-)


As for waking up earlier.....I won't be of much help here I'm afraid. I enjoy that snooze button too much. What sort of work out do you want to do in the morning, or is it just to have some time for yourself? I see your boys are older (6 & 9)...perhaps while homework time is going on in the evening you could do some exercise??


Maybe some of the other "Moms" will have some words of wisdom, the only kitties I have are just that- two of them- plus the 20 in my class ;-)


This is a great board, filled with some great women!


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2001
Tue, 03-27-2007 - 10:38am

Hi Melodie and Welcome to the Board. As a single mom for over 2 years of 7 year old twins I can feel your pain!


I am a morning workout person (for the most part) but I just have to FORCE myself to do it. My days are SO packed between work and then the kids and their homework and activities that mornings are really my only guaranteed-uninterrupted times that I have!


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2007
Tue, 03-27-2007 - 10:49am
Thanks so much for responding... and i get the force part! I guess i am just going to have to learn to force harder!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Tue, 03-27-2007 - 12:09pm

I'm in a similar boat myself. I know the morning workout is really going to be the best for me. To get it out of the way leaving time for family in the evening.


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Tue, 03-27-2007 - 2:33pm

Well I'm a morning person, but not necessarily one that likes to use my mornings to exercise. LOL


I have found that waking up to a radio that is just a little too loud to bear is helpful, and I put a timer on my bedside lamp so that it goes on just a few minutes before my alarm goes off. That way I'm waking up to brightness.


I'd also suggest being reasonable with yourself. I mean,

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2003
Tue, 03-27-2007 - 3:20pm

Hi and welcome!


I don't have kids so I can't relate there! Is morning the only time that would work? Would you be able to get in a workout after the kids are in bed? I tried for a very long time to make myself work out in the mornings before work and I finally realized that the extra hour or so of sleep in the morning was very important to me. But working out in the evenings between 9 and 10 works really well for me. However, I alternate between yoga and Pilates -- doing something like aerobics or running would probably be overstimulating at that hour for me!


Good luck!


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2004
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 9:54am
I am glad for this post, as I was going to ask the same question.
I have 2 teenage boys and between running them to practices, helping with homework, cooking, and cleaning.. I don't have time to work out in the evenings.
I used to jog everyday after work last Fall and now I have done nothing over the winter and gained 10 pounds. I desperately need to lose weight.
I like the advice of starting in small intervals in working up. I think that just might work.
Does anyone here take anything that gives them good energy throughout the day? I am so unenergized anymore.Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 10:38am

Glad you posted! Welcome to the board!


I'm not sure if I have the answer for an energy supplement, but I know that even starting a small workout regimen gives me more energy - just being a bit more active helps. It seems to really give me a refreshing sleep so I wake up energized!


Now I don't want to be 'blah blah exercise is the secret to everything', because sometimes you just need a little MORE of a boost! LOL So I will say that my body feels much more refreshed when I increase my veggie/fruit intake. I guess that's why I don't think I could ever do the Atkins diet because when I'm overloading on protein and not eating enough veggies my body feels a bit heavier and sluggish.


I have also discovered Matcha tea, which is green tea powder. We have a store up here called Booster Juice and they make all sorts of fruit protein smoothies. So I decided instead of paying 5 bucks for them to make me a drink I'll try it myself.


So I use cranberry juice (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup), add 2 scoops of frozen yogurt, and add a heaping teaspoon of the matcha green tea powder plus a few ice cubes and blend it until it's smooth. It comes out the most disgusing color, my son actually calls it barf in a glass, but it gives me a little kick. The green tea powder has a fair amount of caffeine, so if you're sensitive to that, reduce the amount.


I'm sure the other ladies will have input as well!