I can empathize as I was always tired after work and had to face cooking dinner and the weekends held all the chores—cleaning, laundry, kid activities, etc. so there was really no down time. The school year is more difficult because school starts early and I was driving an hour 2-3 times a week leaving before 7am, and by the time I sat down for work at 8:30-9, I was already run down.

So at the suggestion of my therapist, my husband and I looked at what we could off load and pay for some help, so that I could focus on the things that bring me joy outside of work.

I’m lucky that I can afford help—I know that not everyone can. We have help with early school commutes, laundry, and some meals and meal prep. My kids are expected to help out too—laundry, clean rooms, dishwasher, feeding pets. It all helps save some spoons each day.

“Exercises” that at least get the blood flowing in the morning helps too.

Are you able to outsource anything? Or do you have an activity that no matter how tired you are, you feel energized after?