I am soooo tired

I am obese. I am a single mom. I have two kids. I work full time. I am in grad school full time. I am so tired. I can't even think about exercising because I am just soooo tired. I need to motivate myself, but I yawn and just want to take a nap. I have very little time to myself let alone time to go workout. How do you get that energy it takes to get to the point where you can start losing and feeling better? I want to feel better and am open to suggestions. I get the best of intentions, but just never seem to do anything really. I am just growing fatter and feel gross, unattractive, and destined to be single forever. I know they say working out gives you energy, but where do you get the energy in the first place? Lol....

Sun. Mar 9, 7:47pm

You sound like you have A LOT on your plate. You should give yourself a big pat on the back for doing everything that you do. Of course you're tired! You're a supermom! Don't let it get you down. I am an avid exerciser. I exercise 1-2 hours everyday, and even though it does tone and tighten, I have never really felt that it made me lose weight. If anything, it just makes me hungrier. My suggestion to you is to focus on healthy eating choices, and cut back on calories. Drink water like it's going out of style. Once you drop some weight, you may feel better. Then, after you've had some success, start exercising a little bit at a time. I have an eliptical that I park right in front of the TV. I never lay down to watch TV anymore, I use the eliptical. Before you know it, a half hour or hour has gone by and you're done. They are not expensive. I got mine at Walmart for less than $200. I have used it everyday for over a year. Another suggestion is to go for a hair makeover. I had some people comment last year on how tired I looked. I really wasn't any more tired than usual, so I decided to do something about it. I went and got my hair cut totally differently. Then I went to the makeup counter at Sears and had them do my makeup and give me some tips. Then I bought a microdermabrasion kit (exfoliator for your face) at Shoppers, and some teeth whitening strips. Before long I was feeling much better about myself and when you feel good about yourself you suddenly have the energy and motivation to make more positive changes in your life. Good luck, and remember, you're worth it!

Sunday, March 9, 2008, 8:11 PM

The 8:11 poster has some great suggestions.

All I can add is that I'd try to get my exercise in first thing in the morning. It will give you energy all day long, you'll feel good about yourself because you started the day in a positive way, and come bed time, you'll pass out! When you start out, don't over do it and become discouraged. Maybe do a 30 min aerobic tape at home B4 your shower. If you're in a warmer area, walking is a great way to get started.

Good luck to you!

Sunday, March 9, 2008, 8:36 PM

Not sure if you're able to because of weather...walk outside with your kids for a walk....start with 20 minutes...

Sunday, March 9, 2008, 10:40 PM

First, for women, keeping the calories under control is WAY more important than exercise for weight loss. Worry about that when you shift from "obese" to "overweight" - that's when the difference really becomes visible. However, the psych benefits happen at any weight. If you can squeeze any walking into your day at all, it's a great stress reliever and will burn about 100 calories in 20 minutes at a medium pace.

Second, if you eat right, it will help with your energy and fatigue levels. I have found the following daily targets keep me in line in terms of alertness, appetite control and avoiding illness: minimum 60g protein and 25g fiber, 7-10 servings total of fruit and vegetables.

Monday, March 10, 2008, 12:26 AM

I agree, energy is almost always linked to diet.

Monday, March 10, 2008, 12:51 AM

Everyone has so many great suggestions and I agree. If you make changes to your diet you will soon notices changes in your energy level and your body. Try to add an extra serving of fruits and veggies to each meal. This will really help give you more energy.

Monday, March 10, 2008, 10:05 AM

Love yourself right were you are at...

You need to start by making small changes. Drink more water. This is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Some times we get very tired when we are dehydrated.

If you drink soda, even diet soda, you really need to cut back on them, the same thing is true for coffee.

Add more fruits and veggies to your meals.

learn to like, love and except yourself, right were you are at. We can be so incredible hard on ourselves. Losing "weight" is not the cure all; yes it is important to be at a healthy weight, to exercise, to eat right. However, I believe it is just as important to be healthy mentally, and that means having peace of mind. Pray, go to church, ask some freinds to watch your children for a few hours, so you can have some time for your self.

You need to be so proud of yourself. You need to look at all the wonderful things that you are doing for yourself and your children.

Maybe on the weekend, take your children for a walk, bike ride or even to the mall and get some walking in.

Things will get better.

Hang in there.

Best wishes....

Monday, March 10, 2008, 12:53 PM

Diet is more important for weight loss, sure.... But she says "I'm tired!" And paradoxically, exercise is the way to get more energy and feel less fatigued.

OP, the first workout is the hardest to get motivated for. Once you get going it's easier, and you will start to feel less fatigued.

Monday, March 10, 2008, 1:18 PM

That first step is a doozie. I know you're tired - I've been there too, but you have to put 'you' on your list of things-to-do and make sure you're near the top or there won't be anything left to give to anyone else.

Monday, March 10, 2008, 1:38 PM

Wow I don't know how you fit it all in, of course you are tired.
I am going to agree with the majority of what was said.
First for my though is get enough sleep. If at all possible.
I myself am what you would call super obese. I have not been able to exercise in almost 12 months. Since I started this journey.
I have lost over 170 pounds. So far.
So exercise isn't everything, It does make a difference though and I wish I could do it and hopefully one day I will be able to.
It is true that when you exercise it gives you more energy to exercise more. As well as eating properly, to fuel your body, gives you more energy as well. Except in the first couple of weeks. While your body detoxes. It can be rough, I always fight feeling sick and headaches. But since I have made the choice to eat healthier it has been an amazing journey.
Back to exercise. When I was able I used these videos, walk the walk by leslie sansone. If you are like me in an area that has an on demand menu in your tv programing. I found her under the exercise part. But I had her dvd long before that. She has a lot of different types of work outs walking. And they are challenging. I love them. Especially since it is indoors.
Otherwise diet is the only other issue to look at that I can see. Try and fill your meals with veggies. I finally started using meat as a condiment rather than the meal. And pasta is not bad but I weigh it to be sure I only get so much. Bread that is a hard one, some people do ok others don't. If you can find a good low cal one with lots of grains, sarah lee has one for 45 cal that is good. But when I don't use bread I use a leaf of lettuce and it is very good.
Soups are good too, low cal and you can fit a lot of veggies into a soup.
I focus on calories but everone has their own style that works for them.

I hope that helps even a little. I feel for you. I don't have all your committments and I am exausted all the time due to illness. I hope things go better for you today. We are here for you. Anything I can do to help you in your journey, let me know.
Fafa

Monday, March 10, 2008, 2:43 PM

Wow, you deserve a round of applause for all that is on your plate.
I know through experience that excersize helps amazingly with energy and it also helps you sleep better. I started working out 2 months ago and I have so much energy now. Yeah, it's a beast when you start, especially if all you want to do is sleep, but after a few weeks, the energy was great. Now I can sleep restfully (which is hard since I work the graveyard shift) It's also a great thing to do when you have some mental planning. When I work out is when I have the best ideas on food and activities and problem solving.
You rock OP, keep it up, the energy will come.

Monday, March 10, 2008, 2:56 PM

OP HERE

You guys are all so awesome. Thank you for the feedback and advise. I really appreciate it. I tried to eat healthier today and avoid the candy. I am trying!!!!!!! I started taking some vitamins too. Maybe that will help. I will keep you posted. :)

Monday, March 10, 2008, 9:51 PM

I"m tired too. I get ya. Life can be really exhausting.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 12:15 PM

I know exactly how you feel. Although I am not one to talk I am supper exhausted too but I used to be a single mom now I am married and to shy to exercise in front of him LOL. Anyway try this. Get some B-12 vitamins for energy. turn up some silly music and dance around like crazy with your kids. Or go for a walk the slightest changes can help motivate you to do more. I know what it's like to be strapped for time. So if you don't even have time for that just make slight changes like parking further away from the store or work or school so you have to walk further take the stairs instead of elevator.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 1:24 PM

OP here....

I just wanted to say I started taking a multi vitamin, vitamin b and c and it has made a difference. I really think it helped. :)

Monday, March 17, 2008, 10:05 PM

That's great! I think you'll find things start to snowball for you as you add to what you're doing for yourself. Take care of yourself :)

Monday, March 17, 2008, 10:16 PM

I would ask how much carbohydrate are you eating? Eating too many carbs can make to feel sluggish and tired. Do you have carb rich stuff in your cubboards (crackers, cookies, chips, sugary cereal? Throw them out and never let them get in there again, have as snacks - apple, banana, low sodium V-8, rainsins, celery, pickles, something other than "snacks". You will feel more energy.
It's kindof weird b/c carbs give great energy - a half cup of oatmeal in the morning will give you energy for a nice long walk, but three bowls of cereal will make you feel like someone took your batteries out!
Good luck, you can do it!!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 10:03 AM

You have too much stress and not enough "me time". Ditch everyone and everything and go for a walk around the block. No matter how tired you are just do it. Even if it's for only 5-10 minutes. I guarantee you'll feel better in those 5-10 minutes. And if you can't leave the kids behind bring them with you. Start off doing this once maybe twice a week and then the next week do it 3 times. Then start adding on minutes. Before you know it you're looking forward to that walk. Trust me this works. I started doing this back in February and now I'm doing 40 min of cardio 5 times a week.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 4:20 PM

When I was in grad school I would bring reading assignments or notes and read while on the exercise bike. I had friends who would tape notes and listen on the exercise machine. Two birds, one stone...

Can you find a work out buddy? Oftentimes I set up walks with friends so that I have to go. It is easy to cancel when it is just me, but not so easy with others are counting on me.

Good luck!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 4:57 PM

Hey! I agree with your first comment! And, you must be stressed too. But, not getting sleep if your problem! You might have to cut out some of the things you do [not school or being a mom, of course] but, extra things. workking out, and being healty is EXTREMLY important! Since you cant find time to work out, just eat healthy!! thats your first start! cut back sweets for now, and just eat healthy and drink a lot of water. exercise WHEVER you have time! even if its just doing random jumping jacks around the house...whatever! :)

Friday, March 21, 2008, 7:57 PM

two words for ya

Weight Watchers :O)

your life sounds like my life...

When I first started WW, I thought OMG how am i supposed to lose weight eating all this food?! But I felt good and my metabolism started picking up :O) Good Luck!

Sunday, November 30, 2008, 1:28 AM

I don't know if you are getting enough restful sleep. Adults need 7-9 hours every night. If you don't sleep enough, or if you have trouble falling asleep/staying asleep, you WILL gain weight. Something to do with hormones, cortisol production, makes you hold onto fat and make more. Good sleep reduces the amount of cortisol in your system and balances your hormones.

I have sleep apnea. When it was untreated, my sleep was horrible. According to the sleep study, I woke up more than 40 times every night. This explained why I was so exhausted all the time. Once I was fitted with a cpap machine and started getting 7 solid hours of sleep every night, I started feeling a lot less fatigued. And the weight started dropping off effortlessly at around 1/2 lb a week. When I began to also change my eating habits, the weight loss became more pronounced -- up to 2 lbs every week.

If you are obese, chances are you also may have sleep apnea. Have you been checked for this? Do you snore, snort, gasp, wheeze while you are sleeping? If you don't know, then do you wake up many times during the night with your heart racing and your throat dry and sore? It's worth checking out. Not only can sleep apnea cause extreme fatigue and increased weight gain, but (in conjunction with the obesity) it can also cause diabetes and heart trouble.

Sunday, November 30, 2008, 8:35 AM

UUmm

Well, I work 8 hours, spend 4 hours in school. If I didn't workout, I don't know how I would make it from week to week. So,for me it's like a necessity. It gives me the energy and motivation to go on from day to day. So, I truly believe if you just start a workout routine, you will gradually start to feel better and your energy levels will rise as well. Also, you should check your iron levels.

Thursday, January 1, 2009, 2:22 PM

Dear very very busy mama

I feel for you! I also tire often but I've found some motivation and discovered some no no's.
Don't drink any energy drinks! They WILL NOT HELP! They'll give you a jump but then drop you lower then you were before. Drinking lots of water helps. In fact when working a night shift I sit there with a jug of water and I'm much more alert then when I was when I guzzled red bulls and rockstars.
Listen to upbeat fast tempo music when you work out! It will keep you motivated and alert.
You can turn working out into your "me" time. That's what I did! Put on your head phones throw in a work out dvd or hit the gym. You'll be in your zone and wont have to deal with anyone or anything else. Once you make this part of your routine/ schedule you'll start dropping inches and pounds. You'll see a difference and THAT is the biggest motivation of all.
Love Big-Red

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