What do you do to help yourself feel rested

[cms2]

when you're running on empty? My 7 mo DD is still nursing several times a night, and was up for the day at 5:55 this morning. I'm am just plain tired and have all day ahead of me. I'm a cake decorator and work out of my home, so when she is napping, I'm working. Plus, I have a 9yo DS as well. I am just really curious how everyone else goes about their day on what little bit of fragmented sleep they got the night before.

Thanks.

Christine

[Comtessa]

Coffee. Loads and loads of coffee.
or tea, if you prefer. Anything with enough caffeine to perk you up!!!

(Got me through six years of college and one tired year of motherhood...)

Just make sure you back off the caffeine before midafternoon, or you'll have one wakeful baby on your hands at about 2 am. (It took me a while to figure out the reason for that one ).

I work from home during naps, too, and these days (I'm 8 weeks pregnant) it's HARD to avoid the temptation to crawl into bed with my LO and sleep when she does. :yawning

Off to get another cup...

[Tattooed Hand]

short power naps of 15 minutes can really help too. I also get DH to take DD for an hour in the morning so I can sleep in if we've had a particularly active night. Also, mother's helper to come a couple of times a week to take DD for a walk has been a lifesaver.

[Tway]

For me, I get out with DD--rain, shine or snow. Just helps clear your head a little. I also go somewhere with people--usually a coffee shop--as I find I tend to obsess about the not-sleeping more when I'm alone. Just seeing other people distracts me enough to think of other things. Plus I'll sometimes nap with DD, even if she only takes 40-minute naps. It helps a little.

[lovepiggie]

For now, DH is a lifesaver for me. He gets up in the morning with DS, and lets me sleep another hour or two! Other than that, I don't know what I'd do, since I've cut out caffeine...

[Peony]

Caffeine.