(As in, "what can I do?")
This post is part of a series of reflections called Project Less is More. This project chronicles (very irregularly) a financially stretching time in our family's life. Click here to start at the beginning.

The current circumstances are as follows: One mostly exhausted/sporadically energized mom, a mostly happy infant who laughs for mom and cries for poor dad, a mostly happy toddler with boundless energy who talks constantly and narrates her entire existence using single words and the phrase, "Us SEH?" (Translation: "What's that?" with an excited vocal lilt each time). One dog of goodly disposition who is prone to want play time at the worst times. One car. One small car. Limited funds. Husband's busy season. Packing our condo up in a month's time in order to move out (we have renters!!) and move to a more affordable place. Deadline: May 1st. Well, prior to...
My account lacks lyricism to be sure. But I have an excuse and it is that I am crunchy, fried, frozen, as it were, given this endless deep-freeze of a winter we are having. I told a friend over dinner Monday night that I had felt as if I had bounced back a bit quicker with Charles than I did with Eleanor. A 9:45 bedtime, two feedings and a showerless morning later and...I TAKE IT BACK!!! When I said "bounced" I think I meant like a squash ball. I occasionally experience lightness as I travel through a day with energy only to be smashed against the wall the next day. And while in the past I'd seek a little solace in one of those embarrassingly huge pedicure chairs it is not the time for such indulgences.
So, when energy is low and/or funds are dry, what can one do? (Because focusing on "can" instead of "can't" is what I am learning to do right now).
If your energy is low:
Prioritize a short devotional and reading of scripture. The time given to this is always worth it and it sets your thoughts on Jesus and His intentions for your day.
Dial down expectations. I had a list. It had six tasks on it. I accomplished the easiest two and that is okay.
Spend more time on the floor with your kids. Read the same board book over and over again. Just be.
Nap. Do it. If you are tempted to do something else once childrens' naps have commenced, stop. Nap.
Don't default to television. Put on music instead. Classical is simultaneously calming and energizing. Jazz has this way of melting tension away.
Don't stress about showering and getting yourself "made up" for the day. Wash your face, pull your hair back, put on clean clothes and a little chapstick. Maybe some mascara.
Put on warm socks. I remarked to Shawn that I could not have survived the winter without my Smartwool. His raised eyebrows compelled me to respond, "And I'm not exaggerating!"
Breakfast for dinner. Yogurt, fruit, smoothies, toast, eggs. Fast results and minimum clean up are the goals.
If money is tight (but energy is not necessarily so):
Start running. Truly the best thing I've done. I bundle C and E up in their snow gear, pop them in the double wide and jog for 30 minutes. Not only does running warm me up for the rest of the day, but it makes me feel so good afterwards. No getting to and paying for the gym necessary. (Don't be too impressed, after 18+ months of little to no cardio I am on the Couch to 5K program. I've heard of pregnant women who can do high-impact exercise until they are eight months along. I am not one of those women).
Scour Youtube for cardio, arm, yoga and stretching sequences to balance out the running or to use on a cold day.
Keep your home neat. Little things like making your bed in the morning and periodically clearing the floors of toys and stuff maintains the integrity of your living environment. A new pillow or home decor related something-or-other might not be in the cards, but you can work with what you have by keeping it clean and clear.

And along those lines, organize something. Your silverware drawers. Your sock drawer. The kids' dresser.
Make a new dish for dinner. Double the recipe and give some to a friend. You may not be able to give money or other gifts right now, but food is doable.
Pre-baked bread looking pretty
Listen to sermons about money, stewardship, giving and God's provision. Here is an excellent Tony Evans sermon on Jehovah-jireh and a series by John Piper on laying up treasure in heaven.
...
Philippians 4:19- And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.