how to beat exhaustion

mrogers

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I am just wandering what hints and tricks you do to beat exhaustion? The human kind not the horsey kind

This is my daily schedule and although I love every minute I am struggling to find the energy to do it all.

6am wake up
6.30 up the yard,skip out hay and feed
8am work
1pm-2pm up the yard,skip out,feed and walk out the baby
5pm straight up the yard,ride,skip out,hay,feed,groom and strap
Roughly 7.30pm I get home

once home im then working on organising 2 shows and compiling a lecture/demo

Weekends is a similar routine but I also have another horse to ride

So how do you lot find the energy to do it all
 
This is similar to my routine, and I have struggled with extreme exhaustion before.

Apart from the obvious - going to bed as early as possible - I found my diet had a big impact on how well I am able to cope. I thought I was eating fairly sensibly, but when I made an extra effort to add protein to my daily intake in the form of un-processed meat, nuts, eggs etc., I had a lot more energy.
 
The only thing you can do if you cannot change your day is go to bed very early for a few days. That really does help to catch up and you will feel the benefit after a few days. By early i mean 7 ish..but just as early as you can.
 
The only thing you can do if you cannot change your day is go to bed very early for a few days. That really does help to catch up and you will feel the benefit after a few days. By early i mean 7 ish..but just as early as you can.

This is what I've been doing. I've been working very hard recently, along with all the animals and being on drugs that make me exhausted and I find the answer is to go to bed at about 8 pm. :o
 
I think the above is right, diet plays a big part. Im terrible for going for foods that give me a quick sugar fix, but if on the Sunday I make the effort to make a pot of salad, a yoghurt and fruit ready for my weeks lunches, and combine that with less sugary meals, my energy levels are much better. On sugar I go from hyper to lethargic with little in between. Two days a week I give myself a break and wake up at 6 instead of 5am and that makes a big difference when I'm working from 8am til 11pm when I get home. On those two days my horse will have the day off or just a quick play in the arena. Last year I nearly wiped myself out trying to ride at 5:30am 6 days a week, so this year I figure in the winter 2 days a week off won't hurt. I'm doing much better as a result!
 
I really wish I knew the answer to this :confused:

I am also up at 5.30, down the stables by 6.30, skip out, feed, haynets, medicate poorly horsey.

At work by 8 am, there for 9 hours :eek: back down to stables for 5.45pm.

Muck out, feed, haynets, medicate poorly horsey + change dressings and soak foot. Prep for next morning, home by 8pm, eat then bed - not healthy but hey ho.

I have neither the time nor the energy to ride atmo, even at weekends. Weekends are spent catching up with other chores outside the stables + poo picking etc.

I am sitting here at work, feeling like I could just fall asleep. Roll on Easter, I've got 2 weeks off! :D
 
Glad im not the only one! I am terrible for sugar rushes during the day.the one thing I can tell you is
1) Weetabix IS NOT fuel for really big days.it barely gets me through to 10am
2) Berroca IS NOT me but on a really good day, as I very rarely seem to get one of those

Maybe I could sue for false advertising and then hire a groom
 
This all sounds so familiar! I sometimes wonder how we all do it and on the odd occasion, why we do it!

I've just gone and added more into the mix. I'm 14 weeks pregnant and really feeling the difference already. Dunno how I'm gonna cope in another few months.
 
Congratulations! A friend of mine has just given birth, she teaches high impact aerobics and worked until a week before giving birth.on top of that she got a mare about to drop a foal,a stallion and a pony that has started being backed.she was also competing until the end of last season.the 2 questions I ask is how and whhhyyyyyyyy?????
 
Me to! I suffer from sensitive blood sugar and find if I don't eat and sleep properly I struggle with similar routine as yours. I realised I hadn't been eating hardly any fruit and veg so making an effort now as feel awful! I try not to rely on by lunchtime Pepsi max for a boost as its only v temporary! I find if I eat protein at every meal it keeps me going. I used to take protein shakes with me for a boost whilst at work, just before leaving for the yard etc, just add milk and shake up and drink! more sun should help! I can't drink caffeine after midday as interferes with my sleep.
 
When I was really exhausted I discovered I was lacking iron. Doctor gave me iron tablets and I went from permanent exhaustion to feeling fab in a matter of weeks. I do get tired through lack of sleep but not exhausted like I used to.
 
Congratulations! A friend of mine has just given birth, she teaches high impact aerobics and worked until a week before giving birth.on top of that she got a mare about to drop a foal,a stallion and a pony that has started being backed.she was also competing until the end of last season.the 2 questions I ask is how and whhhyyyyyyyy?????

Crazy woman!

I'm determined not to give in and keep going as long as I can but some days it's a struggle! I want to keep at fit as I can.

People tell me that once baby is here, horses and dogs will take a back seat. I don't think so! I've already been looking at all the cute lead rein ponies for sale! :)
 
Do you have enough carbs? My carb intake was higher than average (which is fairly high required anyway) when I was working on the farm. If I cut out one sandwich (pasta and lots of sandwiches for lunch) I'd spend the day feeling like I was going to pass out
 
Agree with the diet. Eat plenty of wholegrains (brown rice, wholewheat pasta,oats etc) avoid processed carbs like white bread, cake etc. Eat plenty of fruit and veg, eggs, fish and lean meat. If you're hungry snack on nuts and seeds. I know it's dull, but it really does work and will make you feel so much better
 
Snack on bananas! They are good for energy and brain power boosts. I have an illness and severe exhaustion (think not even being able to open my eyes or raise my arm into the air on a bad day) is the main symptom and I snack on bananas when I'm on the move and feel my energy running low.
 
Oh god this is all so familiar!! I am up at 5:30 muck out 2 either bed down or turn out haynets up and ready for the evening go to work for 8 work 10 hour day then get back to the yard 6:30 ish beddown/ muck out bring in groom if time ride/ groundwork (occasionally) get hay nets ready for next morning. I try and make sure i ride 3/4 times a week but house is on the market so keeping that tidy and weekends are just as hectic except i get a lie in! it just never ending just can wait til 24/7 turnout as i wont have to go up before work then.
How many of you are at livery ? what kind ? or have horses at home? does it make a differance ...
 
We are on a small livery yard with about 4 other people.1 has horses out 24/7 so only goes up the check them in the morning,1 had a baby and works, 1 only goes up once and day and the other I wouldn't trust a flea on my dog to let alone my horse.Plus no one will go near the d as he is a bit of a handful.dont think it helps that the fields are shocking with horrendous fencing so only our coloured has turnout as she's such a mild mannered chilled out girly
 
I would agree that diet is probably the best solution. I don't eat particularly well some days and I really notice the difference. My routine is pretty exhausting and if I make sure I eat a healthy diet, I can cope without getting too tired.

3.45am Get up, walk dogs, drive to yard, feed, muck out 3, one of which is on box rest, turn out 3 then ride 1 for 1-1.5 hrs.
8.00am Leave yard and get ready for work at 9am
9am-1pm Work
1pm-2pm Walk home, walk dogs again, walk back to work whilst eating my lunch!
2-5.15pm Work
5.15pm Walk home, walk dogs, drive to yard. Muck out horse on box rest, bring in the others, get haynets, feeds etc ready for the next morning.
7.30pm Arrive home and have dinner
9.30pm Bed
 
I would agree that diet is probably the best solution. I don't eat particularly well some days and I really notice the difference. My routine is pretty exhausting and if I make sure I eat a healthy diet, I can cope without getting too tired.

3.45am Get up, walk dogs, drive to yard, feed, muck out 3, one of which is on box rest, turn out 3 then ride 1 for 1-1.5 hrs.
8.00am Leave yard and get ready for work at 9am
9am-1pm Work
1pm-2pm Walk home, walk dogs again, walk back to work whilst eating my lunch!
2-5.15pm Work
5.15pm Walk home, walk dogs, drive to yard. Muck out horse on box rest, bring in the others, get haynets, feeds etc ready for the next morning.
7.30pm Arrive home and have dinner
9.30pm Bed

^^^^:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:^^^^

I usually find am too worn out to cook myself anything healthy for tea!! But it certainly does help. Note to self, no more pizza!
 
Sorry, I can't get over it, 6 1/4 hours sleep, and work and, 3 horses??!! Can't be humanly possible???

I find it hard enough coping with one!! :eek:
 
I would agree that diet is probably the best solution. I don't eat particularly well some days and I really notice the difference. My routine is pretty exhausting and if I make sure I eat a healthy diet, I can cope without getting too tired.

3.45am Get up, walk dogs, drive to yard, feed, muck out 3, one of which is on box rest, turn out 3 then ride 1 for 1-1.5 hrs.
8.00am Leave yard and get ready for work at 9am
9am-1pm Work
1pm-2pm Walk home, walk dogs again, walk back to work whilst eating my lunch!
2-5.15pm Work
5.15pm Walk home, walk dogs, drive to yard. Muck out horse on box rest, bring in the others, get haynets, feeds etc ready for the next morning.
7.30pm Arrive home and have dinner
9.30pm Bed
^^^^^^^:eek: OMG I feel so lazy!!!!

4.30am Get up drive to yard, feed, muck out 3. Ride 1 for 30mins. Turn out 4
7.00am Leave yard for work
7.30am-4pm Work
4pm-6.30pm Fetch in, poo pick fields (by headtorch when dark!), feed, make up more feeds, haynets etc
7pm Home, dinner etc
9pm Bed!!!

Am eating really badly at the mo. Agree that good diet is essential :D
 
^^^^^^^:eek: OMG I feel so lazy!!!!

4.30am Get up drive to yard, feed, muck out 3. Ride 1 for 30mins. Turn out 4
7.00am Leave yard for work
7.30am-4pm Work
4pm-6.30pm Fetch in, poo pick fields (by headtorch when dark!), feed, make up more feeds, haynets etc
7pm Home, dinner etc
9pm Bed!!!

Am eating really badly at the mo. Agree that good diet is essential :D

:eek::eek:
You guys are crazy!!!
 
I had a salad with carbs of course as sunny weather motivated me yay! Felt great! Even made dinner in advance, when I have the energy usually at the weekend I make up some pasta bakes and cottage pies etc to eat through the week otherwise I'd just be grabbing whatever junk!
 
Sleep catch up!! Healthy food, plenty of green veg and colour, plenty of sunlight, berroca and coffee when you especially need them. I also recommend a multivitamin called pharmaton, or any with panax ginseng. I found the pharmaton made me throw up if I got in the car without eating first (they are big capsules) so beware!! I take the ginseng separately instead now.

Oh, and a positive attitude of course but that's the hardest one :-)
 
The only thing you can do if you cannot change your day is go to bed very early for a few days. That really does help to catch up and you will feel the benefit after a few days. By early i mean 7 ish..but just as early as you can.

This, just for a few days and you feel better for it. Also, try and lay in as long as possible at the weekends.

You should start to feel better soon with the warmer weather/lighter evenings.
 
Sounds like a normal day. Have not tried swapping things round? I ride in the morning so I can get home and spend more time with oh helping him study. If you prep hay nets and feeds at night for next day you can muck out and ride in morning then bed down and walk youngster in evening so less tearing about at lunchtime and earlier home giving you more evening so you feel less run into the ground
 
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