I've lost my mojo and I don't know where to find it!

[MerryMarigold]

First off I'm 49 so possibly peri menopause, although periods are regular. I already take anti depressants, but a low dose (when I remember). I'm overweight by about 10-15kg. I've realised things have got to a really bad place because:

• I really don't care what I wear as long as it fits my expanding waistline
• I sometimes can't be bothered to clean my teeth at night. I don't do anything to my face, I just fall into bed.
• I can't walk up a hill without getting seriously out of breath
• I get tired very quickly. If I work a full day (7 hours) with young children I'm utterly shattered and sleep at around 8.00pm. If I work a half day I sleep after work and then go to bed around 10.30pm.
• I should probably get diabetes tested but I can't be bothered (it takes around an hour to get through to the doctor and I can only do this on my day off as you have to call at 8am and I start work at 8.30am (no phone allowed).

Can anyone share success stories of what you did to help if you were in a similar situation? Thank you!!

TBH, with your symptoms, I think you need to talk to the doctor and have a full medical check up before you try to solve this yourself. It could be anything from low iron, thyroid, diabetes (do you have other symptoms of that?) to a wide range of other things.

Have you had Covid. Any chance it's long Covid?

I haven't had Covid as far as I know, despite working out of the home with young children since June 2020. My whole family have had it, some twice! I used to test sore throats etc but nothing ever showed up.

Oh bless you - no major tips but we’ve all felt like this at some point.
Have a chat with your GP about HRT - it is life changing and definitely have me a kick up the bum.
I also like to watch motivational YT videos - you know kind of pamper videos or morning routine videos - even cleaning videos. Gets me semi motivated to do something.
I also find writing lists and ticking them off motivating.
But just take one thing at a time not to get overwhelmed. Maybe every night you will brush your teeth. Then the next week, add in washing your face at night ( one thing that gets me motivated is a really hot muslin cloth soaked in lavender oil drops - place over the face and breathe in 10 times. So lovely - like a cheap spa every night and helps me sleep.
Then add in 5 minute exercise in the morning - simple marching on the spot to music you love.
Then keep adding in small changes - you’ll probably find you want to add in more and more as you feel so much better each week.
But start with HRT - improved mood/energy/helps with weight loss.
Good luck and be kind to yourself. A bubble bath with a cozy book and mug of tea should be on your agenda for this weekend.

I am about the same age and reversed my pre- diabetes by radically overhauling my diet. Cut out sugar and reduced carbs. Don't drink. I wasn't that overweight but I am from an ethnic group prone to diabetes so had to take action.

Can you start by looking at your diet? Diet works better than exercise for me.

Thanks so much for your words of kindness, @JMAngel. I appreciate it. I'm still in bed! I did have brekkie with my DS (14), argument with my DD (14) and Ds1 (17) is still asleep. The lavender face cloth is a brilliant idea. Will doctors give me HRT if my periods are still coming fairly regularly? I don't monitor them. Maybe that's a start but I feel like it would be a year before I tracked them efficiently. They are monthly or not far off.

Yes, I suspect I need to change my diet. There have been times I've managed this and felt better but I can't even be motivated to clean my teeth sometimes. My appetite is massive, particularly for sugary things.

Oh god I know, I love sugar too. The problem with sugar is, the more you eat, the more you crave. But it is not our friend.

I find eating protein with each meal helps with sugar/carb cravings.
Hope you feel better soon.

You should get your bloods checked.
But sugar makes me absolutely exhausted and useless the next day. I gave it up a few weeks ago and my energy levels and motivation where brilliant, but then slipped back to eating crap and my levels have tanked again. I've never been a 'naturally energetic' person and I used to envy people that have loads of get up and go, but over the years I've reconciled myself to being more sloth 🦥 than cheetah 🐆!

I agree with having a chat with your GP> Whilst waiting it may be worth taking Vitamin D, the NHS recommend taking it between October - March, I find it helps with tiredness.

Get blood checked.
Try taking vitamins too.
Also if you don’t move your muscles they deteriorate, use them or loose them so they say.

Thanks all. Yes, I take 'general' vitamins but not specifically D. I'll find some.

I don't exercise but my job is quite physical. Yes, I really crave sugar the more tired I am but then it makes you more tired - aaargh.

Will try and get through to doc. Our GP is particularly bad, densely populated area and our Practise Manager died suddenly a couple of years ago. Ever since then it's been an absolute nightmare to get through. They are still not seeing people face to face, no online appointments and you need to hold for about an hour to get through from 8am which is no good if you need to start work!