Being a parent is an incredibly hard task. Not only do we need to take care of ourselves, but we also have to be sure we are ready, available, and present to take care of our kids. Many of us don’t get enough sleep as it is because we are constantly running around, anxious, and worrying about ourselves and our kids. And, when we have a lot going on, it doesn’t make it any easier.
We’re constantly exhausted and drinking far too much coffee to stay awake. Honestly, what parent does get a good amount of sleep anymore?
Many parents struggle with immense exhaustion and fatigue.
Parenting is a hard job for many parents, especially when it’s not their only job. Being exhausted and overtired is not something “new” to parents. Some parents do not get enough sleep at night and many times, they are burnt out and overwhelmed due to the stress.
Napping, for many, is not an option.
Many people would just simply nap during the day to catch up on their missed sleep and regain some energy. However, napping is not always an option for parents who are overworked and need to be “on” for their kids at all times. Sometimes, we need another option to give us a bit more energy throughout our day.
Parents, and even everyone else, are always looking for a way to regain energy in a healthy and productive way.
Parents, and basically everyone else in the world, are always looking for ways to regain energy and also feel as though they have slept through an entire night, even when they haven’t. Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a way to make us feel like we’ve gotten more sleep than we actually have?
Turns out, all you need is 10 minutes.
A recent study out of Oregon State University claims that there are actually ways to “replenish” and restore your energy, and all you really need is about 10 minutes of time where you are away from everyone and everything. If you’re a parent, it may seem kind of hard to get that, but you can squeeze it in‚even if it means going to the bathroom to do it.
The study says that “mindfulness” exercises are where you should focus.
Some of us try coffee, others try energy drinks that are loaded with sugar and caffeine. But, the research out of Oregon State University claims all you need to do is set aside some quiet time to practice mindfulness exercises and techniques so that you can restore and revive that energy you have been lacking so badly.
The research studied 105 different working individuals.
The researchers from the university studied 105 entrepreneurs in America. Each one had a varying level of exhaustion due to their stress levels, sleep patterns, and overall life. Over 40% actually worked 50 hours per week at a minimum—so you can only imagine how tired they must be. However, they were also asked how many of them do already practice mindfulness techniques.
Those who practice mindfulness are actually “less tired” than those who don’t.
The study that has been published by the Journal of Business Venturing said that those who do get more sleep, or if they engage in mindfulness, have much lower levels of exhaustion.
“Our model indicates a 70-minute increase in mindfulness exercises per week is equivalent to an extra 44 min of sleep per night in reducing perceived exhaustion among entrepreneurs in our sample,” said the study.
Doing meditation and mindfulness exercises for 10 minutes a day, 7-days a week, can actually help.
Doing meditation or mindfulness exercises for 10 minutes every day, 7-days a week, can decrease your exhaustion levels by putting your body at rest.
Many of us are exhausted because of the fact that we are stressed and anxious throughout the day and meditation can help bring “a center” to our mind and body.
Mindfulness won’t “replace sleep.”
The study’s authors say, however, that mindfulness will not “replace sleep.” Mindfulness works to “relieve stressors before they get to exhaustion.”
But, they say that those who are sleep-deprived should be getting more sleep because mindfulness only helps with slight exhaustion.
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And, you have to find the right mindfulness exercise that works for you.
There are several different types of mindfulness exercises that you can do, including guided meditation, breathing workshops, and even journaling. But, you have to try to find the ones that are right for you.
Some work for some people, while others work for other people. Finding the right balance is key.
