Fatigue and the Working Mom

More and more women are now in the workforce and most of them are “moms.”

Working mothers are among the most vulnerable to stress and excessive fatigue created by trying to balance work, family and social life.

Stress and anxiety can cause working moms to be tired and lacking in energy. There are many things vying for her attention: co-workers, the boss, the kids, spouse, the best friend, dealing with in-laws, church activities, and even her study group friends. It's enough to make a mom feel fatigued, apathetic, or sluggish.

More than half of new moms in the U.S work outside the home of necessity. Some in this group are returning to work six to 12 weeks after giving birth.

According to medical studies, women who come back to work after childbirth may still exhibit symptoms of postpartum depression including muscle fatigue, discomfort, decreased sexual activity, and lower back pain.

Things That Make A Mom More Fatigued:

1. Inadequate sleep. Not enough hours of sleep or not sleeping well from too much worry, caffeine or other stimulants.
2. Inactivity. Engaging in moderate physical activity for half-hour most days of the week can improve your moods, decrease stress, and get you energized.
3. Not eating properly. Not getting the right essential foods or drinking enough fluids. Also, limit or stop your caffeine intake a few hours before going to bed.
4. Stress and anxiety. Too many tasks, so little time. This will keep you on edge and you won't be relaxed.
5. Medications. Antihistamines and beta-blockers, some pain relievers and other stimulants can keep you from getting adequate, healthy sleep.

Tips for Combating Fatigue

Delegate tasks. Look for things that need to be done, but don’t need you to do them. “Outsource” these to people who, in fact, could be better skilled to do them than you.

Organize everything. Your schedule, your things, your activities

Evaluate your job satisfaction. Avoid workplace stress or any job-related aggravation.

Tame your inbox. Get rid of unwanted mail by unsubscribing from lists and using filters to delete unwanted email

Make a to-do list daily. Use a coding system to prioritize your daily tasks

Use a calendar. Block out times for important events and stick to that schedule

Implement an organizing system that works for you. Label and file things that you’ll need again. Delegate or discard the others.

Stay active. A few minutes walking or cycling will give you more stamina. But use moderation. And check with your doctor before starting any vigorous physical regimen.

Cultivate good sleeping habits. Avoid reading, eating while in bed. Keep your bedding clean and comfortable, keep your room dark and quiet.

When Fatigue is a Constant Companion

If you are still feeling weary and for a prolonged time, consult a qualified health professional. Your fatigue could have other causes such as:

Depression. Often accompanies excessive fatigue with some symptoms like loss of appetite, sadness, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, among others.

Cancer. A thorough checkup can tell if your fatigue can be a symptom of cancer.

Sleep apnea. Loud snoring is a sign of this disorder. This is a common source of fatigue because it interferes with your sleep.

Chronic Fatigue syndrome. A disorder characterized by extreme fatigue even if there is bed rest.

Anemia-blood disorder. It affects your blood's ability to transport oxygen.

Thyroid problems. A condition in which your thyroid gland fails to release enough thyroid hormone.

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As a working mom, you are susceptible to fatigue. The fatigue-fighting tips above can help you cope and combat fatigue. Take action to implement some lifestyle changes today. But, if your fatigue is a persistent, constant companion, seek professional treatment.

Medical Advice Disclaimer
The content in this article, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before you start a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this site.