Survival Guide for the Sleep-Deprived

This is an evergreen topic for us, isn’t it? This week we are talking about how to survive when you are sleep-deprived. Whether it’s a newborn, toddler, teenager or work situation that is robbing you of sleep these days, we will share some strategies for how to cope when you are just plain exhausted.

Snippet from the Show

The light of Christ shines in the darkest places.


Shownotes

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”- Matthew 11:28


Shownotes

1) Check your health. 

If you are not sure why you are feeling so tired, there may be an underlying health issue that you need to address. Make an appointment with your health care provider and get some basic testing done to see if there might be a simple solution.

2) Rest in God.

Give your exhaustion to God. Especially if your sleep deprivation is inevitable for a certain stage of your life and there is nothing you can do about it, there is such value in offering up your circumstances and turning to God to rest in him. 

3) Cross some things off your list.

You do not have to keep on doing all the things, especially if you are going through a stage of life that is especially draining. Look for corners you can cut or standards you can change to make life just a little bit easier for a while.

4) Ask for help.

This is another place where our pride threatens to get in the way. We don’t often like to ask for help, but it is so necessary sometimes. You might hire help or swap with a girlfriend, but find the help with chores, driving, meals, and childcare that you need.

5) Make sleep a priority.

This means being disciplined enough to get to bed on time. No staying up late watching TV or clicking through Instagram. Make efforts to avoid screens in the evening and get yourself to bed at a reasonable time.

6) Watch your diet.

It might feel like sugar and caffeine or alcohol are your friends when you are stressed tired, but this is not always the case. Be careful how you use them! Pay attention to the ways certain kinds of foods make you feel, and adjust accordingly. This may mean skipping caffeine after noontime, or avoiding alcohol in the evening to get better quality sleep.

At the end of today’s show I share feedback from listener Cristina who is feeling disillusioned by politics online and some suggestions for lifelong learning from Maria.

I want to remind you about the Catholic Moms Summit, a HUGE and unique online event I am hosting that will be taking place November 13-15. We have over 60 amazing presenters that will be sharing inspirational and practical talks about ways to find peace, balance, and joy in family living. Registration is free, so head on over and make sure you are a part of this event!

My newest book is one that I wrote with Dan, the Manual for Marriage, a beautiful resource for every couple. In it, Dan and I share reflective essays on marriage and family life, but it also features a large collection of prayers, Scripture passages, hymns, and stories from the saints that will encourage and support you in your married relationship.  

I have received so much feedback from all of you about my newest book and the first chapter that I shared with you at the end of episode 210Giving Thanks and Letting Go: Reflections on the Gift of Motherhood is a book in which I share from my heart about the very real changes, challenges, triumphs, and joys of being a mom in an “emptying nest.” You can read that sample chapter at Ave Maria Press. (Use the coupon code BEAN20 to get 20% off your order!)

My book, You Are Enough: What Women of the Bible Teach You About Your Mission and Worth, is available for order! Use the code, GIRLFRIENDS to receive ten percent off your order. Don’t miss out on this special available exclusively to listeners of the Girlfriends podcast. 

Have feedback or an idea to share? I would love to hear from you!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Join our all-new Girlfriends Podcast Facebook group!

Check out the Catholic Momcast featuring Lisa Hendey and me, available on iTunes!

RESOURCES

Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry: Five Steps to Discerning God’s Will

RETREAT

The You’re Worth It! Retreat for Women

Find out more about bringing this unique event for women to your parish, group, or community. Read more and request more information here.

Or find out more about having me come speak at your parish or conference.

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Rate and Review Girlfriends in iTunes

Leave voice feedback

Girlfriends on Facebook

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Discover More!

Sign up for the latest podcasts, videos, and articles, sent straight to your inbox.