Since becoming a mom of two, my energy level has been in the pits. I can’t remember a day I was on time for anything while pregnant, and I have been experiencing difficult moments each day ever since.
I’ve tried waking up early and getting to bed early so that I can take advantage of the necessary rest that I need, and while that works to a certain extent and is very important, it hasn’t been enough to sustain me all day. Around 3 p.m., my body starts to slump, and I’m dragging until after dinner.
I feel like most moms know the slump I'm talking about
This has been difficult for me as I need to chase two active young boys and still have to workout, finish work, or tidy up around the house most evenings. I’ve never been a big coffee drinker and it’s still not my drink of choice. However, I now drink one and often two cups a day and will get a caffeine headache if I try to go too long without a cup or maybe a caffeinated soda. I’m not a super big fan of being so reliant on caffeine and wanted to find a better strategy.
On a whim, I mentioned my lack of energy to my personal trainer and she suggested I start taking a B12 vitamin daily to help with energy — and it’s been a game-changer. It definitely beats out my daily increase in caffeine any day.
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that your body needs but cannot produce naturally
Some of the many roles that vitamin B12 has are to support the function of your nerve cells and create red blood cells. The benefits of B12 are numerous — one of which is helping to improve your mood and boosting your energy.
After researching the benefits of B12, I can’t tell whether I’m feeling more energetic because of the boost in energy or whether it’s really improving my mood each day. Vitamin B12 has been known to synthesize and metabolize serotonin, one of the chemicals responsible for regulating our moods.
No matter the reason, I'm thankful for this discovery
If you’re also feeling that mid-afternoon sluggishness, it never hurts to grab a supplement at the drugstore. The effects of deficiencies in vitamin B12 can be used as tell-tale signs that there may be an issue with your B vitamin levels. And B12 deficiency has been known to show up with early signs of fatigue and lack of energy – so it all connects.
No matter the reason I’m feeling more energetic, the biggest benefit I’m feeling is that I’m consciously paying attention to what I put in my body and prioritizing that. Plus, I’m feeling ready to tackle all of the evening activities (aka the dinner and the endless bedtime routine) thanks to my energy boost.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
