Mom life – especially special needs mom life – can be crazy. Here’s how to look pulled together on no sleep. Thanks to Laura Epstein, guest blogger, for her contribution this week. Read more at https://messybun.life/.
I have a seven year old who struggles to go to bed at a sensible hour and twin four year olds who wake up really early. My kids have never been great sleepers and with three I feel like someone is always sick or overexcited. Basically, I have been tired since 2:49 am on August 31, 2019. Since I do have to look presentable I have developed a few tricks to easily look like pulled together even if the kids got me up at 4:30.
Wear Cute But Comfy Clothes
One of the worst feelings when you are tired is feeling cramped in your clothes. Comfy clothes, that look great exist and are the best thing ever. One of my go to items are Mono B leggings. These are thicker than regular leggings with lots of cute designs and patterns and even hidden pockets. They are perfect with a longer tunic and boots or a cute sweater dress in the winter.
Layer Your Look
When I am tired, but trying to look pulled together I also love to dress in layers. Like a lot of people, when I have not slept enough my internal thermostat is sometimes a little off. The last thing I want to do in a meeting or event is start sweating or get freezing cold. Finding great layering pieces that can both keep your temperature comfortable and pull an outfit together is also important to looking great on no sleep.
Lots of Concealer
One day I took my twins to their occupational therapist in the afternoon and two people said I did not look well. They were genuinely concerned that I was sick. I told them I was not sick but just a little tired. It turned out that I was so tired that morning I forgot to put on my concealers. Yes, not one concealer but multiple!
I have a bag of concealers (from Benefit) that I use every morning. Other than that I just use powder and moisturizer. I had remembered those that fateful day, but apparently without the concealer I look like a hot mess. So, I highly advocate taking a trip to Ulta, Sephora, etc. and finding some great, moisturizing concealer so you do not end up like me with people thinking you are ill!
Fake It ‘Till You Make It
Sometimes when I’m tired I complain a lot. I tell my husband how tired I am, I call my mother and you know what? It doesn’t make me feel any better. Instead I have taken (most of the time) to just acting like I slept enough. Mentally, I find it easier to be enthusiastic and “fake” being awake. Eventually I fake being awake long enough I actually start feeling awake too. I still crash later but it makes the day a little easier.
How to look pulled together on no sleep
What are your favorite go-to tips for when you have not slept? Let us know in the comments.
Looking for autism sleep strategies and ideas? Click here.
Laura Epstein is overrun by boys. She is a married work at home mom with three sons and two cats. Her oldest son is Autistic and her oldest cat is the only other female in the house. Her blog, The Messy Bun Life, follows her life, kids and two (or is it three?) side gigs. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook or on Pinterest, where she spends 90% of her time trying to find the best Minecraft crafts.
Related Posts:
Autism and Sleep: 5 Strategies and Systems via The Piece of Mind Retreat
4 Reasons You Should Consider Being a Special Needs Room Parent via The Messy Bun Life
