[bookwrmmom]

I know that most of us are under a tremendous amount of stress. Working more hours, extra jobs, childcare, taking care of EVERYTHING. The magnitude of all that is on some of the shoulders of the LBS is mind blowing at times. Plus add in the fact that many of us are not getting any younger.
I am always exhausted, just flat out damn drained. I know the typical things are work out more, but sometimes that is hard to do when we are working so much. So can we share some tips friends? I am a fan of trying natural things that are not expensive. Things that are healthy, but don't compromise a tight budget. Can we share some ideas to help each other out?

[MsT]

This is a great idea! I'm exhausted, too!
Mint tea and fresh air are my cheap and easies. I've been getting green tea with mint because green tea is supposed to have xyz health benefits and all.

[Anjae]

For a start, rest. As much as you can. Working out harder does not always work and if one is already exhausted in can lead to burn out.

I don't know if you worked out in a gym. If so, those can be draining. They are indoors, there are often other people around, they are not exactly peaceful. Walking is a good form of exercise and if it can be done in quiet places, all the better.

If you are having troubles sleeping, and if herbal tea (chamomile, melissa) do not work, try some mild anti-anxiety pills. Even those of us who like to use natural things sometimes have to go for meds.

Eat well, drink plenty of water. Consider taking magnesium. Magnesium helps fatigue. Check your GP if you must.

Try to have a relaxed ambient home. If you like to sewing, knitting, crochet try those. They can have a calming effect.

Mediation is helpful for some of us. Currently some of us are doing this meditation challenge: https://chopracentermeditation.com/

[TurningPage]

I drink a lot of ice water with lemon I find it refreshing. My doctor recommended Gatorade also since my appetite has been diminished helps with electrolytes. Multi vitamin, vitamin D and calcium supplement. Still struggling with food. I limit myself to 1 cup of coffee a day.  Also, I try to keep my sleep routine going. 9pm week nights and 10:30 weekends.

[Anjae]

If food is an issue, home made soup (chicken soup is excellent and not just for when we have a cold), yogurt, a light sandwich, fruit, cheese slice, are some options.

Reducing coffee, or non herbal tea, is indeed a good idea.

Another is trying to stay away from TV and from the news. Or if one does not want to fully give up the news, reading  a newspaper is a good option (it can be done online). That will reduce the noise and hysteria people are bombarded with from TV.

[in it]

My go to thing after this second BD was CHOCOLATE.

Arizona makes what they call an RX Stress tea (or destress) it has Valerian and some B vitamins. I love hot or cold peppermint tea too. And water... lots of water.

 I have a huge fuzzy fleece blanket I can't wait to curl up in bed with. And my cat too. I love to sleep - I cannot meditate. I find it annoying.

I'm taking B12 now. I think they help.

Sleeping and resting is big. A hot shower..Fresh Rosemary rubbed in your palms and then put the sprig in your pillowcase.

It's hard to focus on soothing things but it helps and to be gentle with yourself. Positive self talk. I usually repeat things like "it's going to be ok" when I've had a challenging day and breathe. I also think about the phrase "Pray unceasingly" or "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me" I'm used to comforting myself. Breathe!!

I love to laugh and find it relives stress almost instantly (once you get to that point)...online the website damnyouautocorrect.com keeps me in stitches and LOL cats I can haz hamburger

ADD A BIG DOSE OF NC for peace of mind.

I recently got a TV but don't watch the news. Usually PBS or The Big Bang Theroy..something light and funny or educational. For the longest time I couldn't take the input. There were a lot of triggers from it also.

Turning..please try one half of something... a sandwich..something... the longer you go without eating the easier it gets.

[living with Hope]

I am drained and can't seem to stay out of my bed for long stretches.  So I am going to try a few of these. Thanks.

[JD]

I'd recommend a once over by a physician or naturopath and get your hormonal levels checked.  Thyroid levels TH3 TH4, Estrogen, Progesterone and their precursors and metabolites, DHEA ,Testosterone, Adrenal hormones, Vitamin D.   
Meditation did help me.  As did Lavender on my pillowcase.  I rested whenever I could, put my feet up and closed my eyes on my coffee breaks,  napped whenever I could.  Limited my caffeine intake. Got lots of touch therapy through massage. I simplified my life, if it didn't add to my life. out it went.  I learned to ask for help and say the word " no".  I didn't take anything on for a long while, just took care of the basics.  I let a lot of things go, that weren't critical to my or my family's well being.
 I am slowly now doing a little more than that, though not much.  I still tire very quickly and don't have a big reserve of energy.

[bookwrmmom]

YES! Thanks so much for the tips! I am so glad the weather is getting warmer and the days longer. I want to start taking my dachshund pup walking. I live in the country, and he is getting a wee bit hefty I usually work my 2nd job 3 nights a week, so I can do this the other 2 nights and weekends. It will do us both some good. I do take an anti anxiety to help me sleep and have had to do this since not long after BD.
I also take multi-vitamins every night, but I def want to try magnesium. I am going to hit Walmart this week and get some. I have heard other friends talk about the benefits of taking it. I may need B12 as well. I have had bariatric surgery so I may be deficient in some vitamins.
I also love hot teas, so am open to all suggestions of those. I pretty much only drink water (w/crystal light pour ins) besides my morning two cups of coffee. I know much of the exhaustion is to be expected. Stress, worry, etc. I don't watch much news, but catch that online. I mostly watch my fave HGTV shows. Crochet is my de-stresser and keeps me relaxed and sane.
Keep coming with the herbal, tea, and vitamin suggestions! I think we can all use them.
Also yes JD,I'm prob need a full work up on blood work too!

[in it]

Yep can't wait to walk myself....What a winter...ugh!!!