Thursday photo #229
The anticipation of September. Two children at school and five days a week to work, exercise and do what I needed to do. And yet, deep down, I knew what would happen. Because nothing ever really goes to plan, does it?
September sniffles
This week, it was Libby’s turn for the sniffles. She’s had it very mildly and it hasn’t bothered her at all. Except for the cough at night. Whenever Libby has a cold, she gets a cough at night. It’s not a chesty cough, more of an irritation. But it always happens and quite often, she coughs in her sleep because very little wakes her up.
For me though, it’s a game changer. A few months ago, I read a book by Matthew Walker called Why We Sleep. Walker is a neuroscientist who goes to great lengths to explain the many benefits of sleep. Intelligence, memory, avoiding obesity, reducing stress… the list goes on.
So, I’m finally realising the impact of nights like the ones I’m having at the moment. Awake for several hours, then struggling to concentrate on work. Lacking motivation to exercise and eating rubbish. Then beating myself up for being unproductive.
This time though, I know what’s going on. I’m determined not to get into the cycle of worrying about how much I’ve got to do and sleeping even less. The book wasn’t a miracle cure for not sleeping. But knowing the impact and the reasons why I’m so unproductive at the moment has been really helpful.
Clearing our schedule
Since starting school, Libby has always wanted to do everything. After school clubs, dance lessons, sports, musical instruments and everything in between. This term though, we’ve finally managed to calm it down a bit. Thursdays and Fridays after school are generally free. And it’s such a relief.
Much as I want the girls to have all the opportunities they can, it’s only now that I feel I’m getting the balance right. Libby’s behaviour has got a little easier without all the rushing around and everything feels more relaxed.
Thursday photo #229
On Saturday, we called in to see my sister. The girls managed to get hold of her makeup pencil and asked me what it was for. I told them it was for drawing on your skin and drew a moustache on Lia. It wasn’t long before things got a little out of hand. But I think it rather suits them.
Why We Sleep really is a game changer! I wish it could cure my sleep problems, but as you say at least I now know the impact it’s having and that I need to do something about it!
I think cutting back on activities is a very good idea. Friday is our only free day and it would be nice to have one or two more!
I’m sorry it hasn’t helped with your sleep problems but hopefully you’ll find some help with it now you’re aware of the problems it causes. I’m tired again today and struggling to concentrate on work, really do need to make more of an effort to get more sleep!
Nat.x
Hi Nat, there is a lot to be said for good quality sleep, which isn’t always possible when you have a young family. I can’t remember the last time I had to use an alarm clock, even when I’ve had a bad night sleep, but I do notice how it affects how I feel in general.
Balance is the key to so many things in life, but getting it right isn’t so easy. When it comes to activites it’s nice to have some free nights and like Sarah I liked to keep Friday night free. Which I didn’t manage last year and I really missed it.
I can see your girls have a way with makeup. Mine looks very similar when I apply it.
xx
Haha yep, I think the girls take after me when it comes to putting makeup on! Sleep and balance go hand in hand too I think, it’s hard to sleep when you’ve got too much on and hard to cope with everything you need to do without enough sleep!
Nat.x
Oh that photo of your girls is such a fun one. It made me think of the time that my sister and I let our girls loose with face paints – they had so much fun painting their faces and ours too. Not getting enough sleep is hard – I know I struggle a lot with sleep deprivation and it is hard to try and be productive if you haven’t had enough sleep. Hope that Libby is over her cold soon. It sounds like you’ve got the balance right with all the activities now. We generally just have a very busy Friday afternoon but the rest of the week isn’t too bad x
Oh that sounds so much fun, I’m sure mine would love to be let loose with face paints too! Gosh yes, the sleep deprivation must be so tough for you at the moment. I hope Thomas soon starts letting catch up on some sleep.
Nat.x