Tuesday, July 30, 2013

T is for Tired



Blogging Through the Alphabet

In case you didn't know, we are the proud parents of 4 kiddos....3 of them are diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.  Both our boys and our youngest daughter.  Our oldest daughter is ADHD.  Needless to say there is never a dull moment in our house.

I honestly do not know how single parents of a special needs child(ren) do it on their own.  Joe and I barely make it through each day working as a team.  I am usually barely able to stay away by about 10 pm.  But some days, ok... most days, between 10 and midnight is when I can get blogging work done.

I am not putting anyone down here....but it can be exhausting going through daily life making sure that the physical, spiritual and educational needs of a special needs child are met.  Some days it is all that I can do to make it through the physical needs and then I stress knowing that I am responsible for their educational needs also.  The only thing I can think....Am I doing enough???

I think the key word though in the last paragraph is ....... Stress.  I know this letter is T....but stress makes you tired.  It really wears on your body both physically and mentally.

After feeling like I have been drowning for several months, I prayed a lot and realized that I really need to get a grip on daily life.  We are floundering.  But I need to get a grip on a few things personally for myself, and this in turn will help out the kids.  So here are a few things that I have done to help with the Stress and "tired" I have been feeling.....

My first goal is to make sure I get in my personal Bible Study daily.  I wake up at 5 am now, so that I can spend 30 minutes in personal study and prayer.  I am not saying that I am the perfect Christian, not by any means.  I hit the snooze and sleep through the alarm.  I can tell it in my attitude anymore though if I miss this time.  I feel better in the morning when I am done.  It really gives me a peace before the storm of the day.  It also gives me a daily reminder, since it's written in my study notebook to read daily...to be slow to anger and quick to listen to the kids.  This is one stress trigger that I need to work on.  The kids make me angry and tempers raise, and then there is arguing.  Joey is great for yelling first and then I raise my voice because of this....I am working very hard daily now to avoid this.  Less stress on all of us.

My next goal is to work on the stress that is hurting me health wise.  So I have started exercising.  I have set goals of running/walking 5Ks. This has helped in forcing myself into an exercise routine.  Has this helped?  Actually it really has.  The early wake up helps with this.  I study my Bible, and drink a bottle of water while I am doing that.   Then I go and have my workout.  I have my iPhone loaded up with music and splurged for an armband holder and new headphones.  I never planned on taking up running, but I feel better and actually have more energy after I get done with a walk/run.  So this has worked.  Joe is going to be joining me soon in this training, because we have joined a fitness challenge and will work together at getting healthier.

So my morning goes, Bible reading/study for 30-45 minutes and then exercise 30-45 minutes so that I am back home from running hopefully before the kids really start waking up.

To go along with the exercise, I have really watched what I am eating.  I have limited my "processed" foods to only Kettle Cooked potato chips that are non-GMO.  I have been limiting grains and starting to follow a paleo diet that is good for people with fibromyalgia.  That has been hard, since I love the above mentioned potato chips.  So I have been limiting myself greatly.  I also have been trying to help Joe eat better by limiting the snacks that I purchase for him to eat.

My schedule is a work in process.  It really causes me stress, which makes me tired.  So I have already cancelled one club that we participated in and working on staying home 3 days a week, clubs 1 day a week and 1 day a week of errands.  Then leave weekends for projects with Joe and family time.  I keep praying for guidance in making this happen.

Another change I am working on, spending at least an hour without my laptop in my lap while watching TV with Joe in the evenings.  Just cuddling with my hubby while relaxing.  We can talk or just laugh at stupid humor on TV, not watching Facebook or Candy Crush...just each other.

These are my first steps.  I also am working on a schedule for each child.  A picture list of chores they can handle.  I have been working at simplifying our lesson plans more, and think I have found a wonderful online resource!  We are in testing stages now, so watch for future posts as we are introducing a new way of homeschooling to ourselves.  I may even be able to sell a bunch of unneeded curriculum if this test keeps going as well as it has!!!

Exercise has really helped with my exhaustion.  Life is not perfect, and I really do get tired still.  But believe it or not, between the personal Bible study I have added and the 30-40 minutes each morning I walk/run.....I seem to have a bit more energy during the day.  And shhhh....I usually do not have a problem sleeping at night, unless a cat lands on my head.

Linking up with other Moms at Blogging through the Alphabet at Ben and Me.


1 comment:

  1. Wishing you all the best on your schedule and the changes you have made! I'm sure it really makes a big difference. Good advice! :-)

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