Anyone taken themselves away for a few weeks for a re-set? Did it work?

[StrugglingAlways]

I have zero motivation or energy. I do nothing all day. Left a job in June due to depression - had major surgery in Sept which I have now recovered from physically. I have this fantasy that taking off by myself for a month could re-set.

I think I would somehow find a routine of self care, exercise, sleep, eating well that would reboot me.

Or would this not work - as I have all the logistical resourcs to do this here but dont. Where ever you go there you are.

I am not on any meds as have had loads of bouts when youngr and it took so long to get off them - also therapy had loads - workd in the past but not this time.

I think I have undiagnosd / untreated ADHD and am burnt out. I am 57 my DCs (teens / twenties) are frustrated at the mess I have become. They are suggesting dementia. It is common in my family.

If you have the finances to do that and no responsibilities tying you, then go for it. pick a country, book a flight and get some zest back into your life

Otherwise if you can’t escape, you need to start building some structure into your life. I took 3 months out from work a few years back and when my daughter went back to school after the summer I was lost with a lack of routine. I started going for a walk each day which gave me some structure, fresh air to think, improved my fitness and gave me more energy. Start with one thing each day and then add something new in. A hobby, volunteering, work if you want to, explore a new place once a week

I have done the is for a few days to a week every year since covid. Generally at this time of year too, as I realise the darker nights and colder days really get me down. If I could go for longer I would but my dc are smaller, and have additional needs. I also wonder if I’m ND as 2 of my 4 children are and I feel constantly on the edge of burnout. I’m lucky that I’m self employed so it doesn’t make that much difference WHERE I am, but I still struggle with the guilt that I should be working when I go away. It’s easier to relax a bit more when you’re somewhere where you don’t have any extra pressure. At home, I’d be thinking about the washing that needs doing, things like that. I tend to go to the Norfolk coast as it’s not too far, it’s peaceful and the scenery is beautiful. Being out in the fresh air all day then coming back to no outside pressure, just a glass of wine and a box set is great. If you can afford it then definitely do it, but do have a plan for when you return. I do always come back feeling refreshed but getting back to reality can be hard after even a few days away.

I’ve condensed my working house into 4 days … so I can enjoy 3 day weekend

@Swanbeauty its because I keep forgetting things that they have told me. But I see it as dissociation and depression. They get frustrated. I remember the details when they remind me of it - I just dont log it.

They are all late teens/early 20s - so working and independent.

I am worrid if I go away I will feel isolated which might make things worse.

And its the ususal having too much expectations of myself - some massive schedule that I dont do.

I had a week away hiking on my own, which was wonderful and completely refreshed me, but OMG coming back to the same old same old was hard , and nearly pushed me over the edge

I think it's probably only really useful if you can use the time to make or plan real change.