Finding Rest Without Sleep

I’m going to share a little secret with you that I discovered to help combat the parental fatigue described in Daylight Savings: A Parent’s Nightmare because twin fatigue is real. Toddler fatigue is real. Throw in a newborn, Daylight Savings Time (DST), and Mama is TIRED.

I discovered this little secret out of sheer desperation. The girls were going through a sleep regression from 18-21 months, and I could not cope.

One morning while watching Frozen (and by “morning” I mean 4am), mama was losing it. So I just shut my eyes, laid my back against the couch, and relaxed my body. The kids were running around, pulling at me, trying to steal my pillow and blanket etc. I kept my death grip on said blanket and pillow (which I have a lot of practice doing while sleeping because of the hubs 🤣), but I kept the rest of my body and mind relaxed. I kept my eyes shut, no matter how much they poked me. What will happen if I just pretend I’m sleeping? Well eventually they left me alone!

I was able to relax into this meditative, shavasana like state until the end of the movie, when I basically woke up. Although I could remember everything that had happened (mom ears are like bloodhound noses), I somehow felt immensely rested, as if I had slept. And there was no groggy-reentry-into-the-world often associated with naps!

The best part is that you can literally do this anywhere. Even five minutes with your eyes shut, body relaxed, and mind cleared will make you feel amazing. If you have trouble lightening your mind of its burdens (as I usually do), I recommend focusing on your breath, feeling the rise and fall of your chest. You can even play some calming music or natural sounds to help sink into the moment.

With toddler twins and a newborn, I practice this often. At least I did until I started writing this blog 😅. I’m more tired than I’ve ever been, but I’m also the happiest!