I used to practice every day, but ever since we had a baby I've been too tired. How can I get more energy?

I've been doing Wing Chun Kung Fu for over a year. My wife and I had our first baby a couple months ago, and ever since then I've been exhausted all the time. Before the baby was born, I was practicing every day for at least 30 minutes. But now I'm just so tired that I collapse on the couch every day after work. I've tried taking energy Ginsing, Green Tea, etc to get more energy, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Any ideas?

I used to practice every day, but ever since we had a baby I've been too tired. How can I get more energy?
Diet is often overlooked as a cause of fatigue. Most people only think of a diet as a way to lose weight, but what you eat determines how much fuel your body has to burn. As one who has been practicing the martial arts for 17 years, let me give a little advice. Try this formula:


multiply your weight (or target weight if you are trying to lose) by 14. This is the number of calories an active person needs per day. Now figure 50% carbohydrates, 35% protein, and 15% fat. Keep in mind that each gram of carbs and protein is 4 calories and each gram of fat is 9 calories.


Example - a 200 pound man would require 2800 calories which would consist of 1400 calories from carbohydrates (350 grams), 980 calories from protein (245 grams), and 420 calories from fat (47 grams).


Try loading up on low glycemic carbs (fruits, whole grains, etc.) early in the day. This will give you energy when you need it most.
Reply:Make time for a Nap! Then you will have more energy!
Reply:You just have to do it. Once you force yourself a few times then you will get in the habit again. My baby is 6 and I still have trouble finding the energy.....Good Luck.
Reply:I agree with chica loca and Kidd, Prob'ly your biggest need is the sleep, being your newborn is only a couple of months old your child needs a lot of attention: feedings, diaper changins getting your child to sleep etc so you have to get plenty of rest as well.





also diet is a big factor because if you're not eating the proper mixes of foods and eating the easy to make/ get foods then it likely has a lot of fat and calories in it, and since you have less time in the day due to work and the care of your newborn; you have less time to eat a decent meal that's nutrtious enough.





you may need to set a schedule now to compensate for everything.
Reply:That is the same thing that happened to me when I came back from a 5-week long vacation. I always felt so tiered but when I went back to the dojang the instucters pushed me alot so I became more active.
Reply:First, Congrats!!


Give yourself a little time. Great advice on diet (kidd) and just forcing yourself to make time so to speak. This can be tough as babies are life changing. I recommend a loose schedule. Babies want and need a loose schedule. Build in a nap or rest time, don't stress if you don't actually sleep. Work as a family to meet everyone's needs. Sometimes working out (even walking) will give your body an alert boost. I'm guessing you are not sleeping as much as needed due to the baby... once the baby adjusts to schedule of sorts (or hopefully is getting to one) things will be slightly (ever so) easier. I could be wrong there.


Sometimes just scheduling a few events helps you get them done.....there is something magical about writing things down.


best of luck to you, your baby, and family.
Reply:I remember when my daughter was born I felt the same way. It isn't a physical exhaustion, but an emotional one. The new baby takes a lot of your time and emotional energy. It gets easier after the first few months when you worry at every little sound you hear and you can start relaxing and getting into your routine again, but adjusted to make room for the baby in your life. You and the wife can help each other by giving the other a little alone time once a day where you take the baby for an hour and let her go do whatever she wants for an hour, then switch. When you have that hour you can start practicing again, and your energy level will start building back up by itself.