If your first trimester makes you want to take a long winter’s nap, you’re not alone. Your hormones are shifting, causing you to slow down as your body prepares for the big changes pregnancy will bring, and it’s totally normal. During the first trimester, your body is actually creating the placenta and won’t be finished until your fourth month. Be easy on yourself. You’re going through some major shifts, and it’s important that you take the time you need to support your body, mind, and baby during this time. And, while you may not be able to totally vanquish that feeling of fatigue, there are some things that you can do to help yourself feel more energized during this time.

Get a reasonable amount of sleep: Get too little and you’ll be a zombie (get too much and you might be, too). Listen to your body to find out what works for you. Go to bed earlier, and try to take naps during the day.

Avoid the quick fixes: Caffeine and sugar may seem like the obvious choices to help give you the quick energy you need, but they won’t keep you going in the long run. Try to get a steady diet of complex carbs and protein and eat small, frequent meals that will help manage your blood sugar and keep nausea at bay.

Get moving: Going on a walk around the block, completing a quick yoga flow, or doing anything that gives you just a little bit of excercise can help you feel energized. Stretching or deep breathing will help, too.

Remember: first-trimester fatigue is normal. Don’t feel like you need to do it all. There will be things that will go by the wayside, like laundry, dishes, and cooking. And that’s ok. Ask for help from your family and friends. And be gentle with yourself. Your body is doing a lot right now, even if you can’t see it (yet)!