Ways to build yourself back up

[changeofname0987]

I've had a really intense few months... Moved house post-divorce, total renovation while still living here with my DDs. The stress of it all, the endless builders in and out, work stress, emotional stress, financial worries, the ways we've struggled I can't tell you. I think I'm in some kind of post-traumatic stress (not to belittle people with actual PTSD... not sure how else to explain it. I keep crying). Now I've just had surgery that will take 2 weeks of recovery. I've got my parents here for a few days god love them but need some ideas of small things to build myself back up. I'm so tired and sleeping all the time (probably surgery related) and feel like I'm at a general low ebb. I've been having ginger lemon and honey tea, early nights, healthy food. But I need my hair doing and my mind is racing at 100 miles an hour. Any tips how I can heal, de-stress and generally build myself back up?

[fessmess2]

Firstly be patient. Rest, take it slowly and carry on with early nights. Cry if you need to.

[SmellyWelly85]

I was in a similar situation a while ago, including the 2 week surgery recovery. I found the thing that really helped me was getting out the house every day. I started with a 10 minute walk and built it up pretty quickly as recovery progressed. I'd pick a nice cafe about a 20 minute walk away, walk there for a coffee (and cake....) with my book then walk home again.
Also, don't be afraid to ask friends to help/come and visit you. 2 weeks in the house is hard going and it's easy to feel isolated. It's nice to have planned visits as well to give you something to look forward to.
Finally, what about trying some sort of mindfulness app if your mind is racing. Not for everyone, but might be worth a shot! Hope you start to feel better soon

[changeofname0987]

Thanks everyone. I'll start doing walks when I can manage it. I downloaded the Calm app actually and that's been helping. Would be glad of any other tips too x

[helloblossom]

I've been there for very similar reasons and I second the recommendations for a mindfulness app and fresh air. I also found getting up early and doing a to do list, a few admin type jobs, and some phone time wasting in the quiet with a cup of tea helped me start the day with a clearer head. This helped me massively. Obviously this will only work when you are over the surgery tiredness. And if you're not already doing so, a good probiotic can really help both with physical and mental health.

[Egghead68]

Walking outside (in parks/countryside/beach) as much as you can has helped me in the past.

[changeofname0987]

Thanks for these lovely ideas. I've ordered a probiotic that will arrive this evening (thank you Amazon) and I went for a walk round the block earlier. Only 10 minutes but feels like plenty for today. Wish it was sunny, dreaming about sunbathing...

[Gertrudesgarden]

I'm with everyone else on short walks outside. I take my digital camera and look for interesting wee details like tree bark or flowers opening, it calms my mind down.
Do you enjoy craft or art? I can lose myself in learning a new stitch or technique, which also calms my inner panic right down. Music (playing piano or guitar?) helps too, or just listening to something that relaxes you. Yoga or gentle movement when you are able.

[changeofname0987]

Thanks @Gertrudesgarden crafting's a good idea. Just did some of my daughter's colouring book but could ask my eldest to teach me how to knit... I've had a bad few days with pain so haven't been for a walk but today is shaping up a lot better so hope to get out later. The Calm app is helping a lot... Have paid a year's subscription so hopeful that will help

[PlatinumBrunette]

I do this:
‘Download’ my plans in the evening to get them out of my head and ready to go the next day. This is vital for me.
I also do a ‘gratitude journal’, so each morning and evening I write down at least 3 things I’m grateful for. More info on google!
Take time for myself to be in nature, even if it’s just staring at the birds in my garden.
There’s lots more that I should do, and sometimes do, but these 3 really help.

[changeofname0987]

Thanks @PlatinumBrunette gratitude is the one thing I'm fairly good at. It's so important. The download idea is great though thanks and I should get myself a nice notebook and start doing it.