Please can someone motivate me....

[sillymillyb]

Im posting here as this doesn't really fit in any catagory and I just need a kick up the bum!

Im 37 weeks pregnant, and single. I need (as a matter of urgency really!) to pack my hospital bag, go in the kitchen and batch cook for the freezer and then assemble the buggy and put it in the car.

These are not mammoth tasks.... so why the hell can't I move my bum off the sofa to do them? In my defence I have been feeling really crap lately as baby is back to back and I have had one kidney infection after the other. I think this is just one of those times I'd love a partner to help me out, or just give me a cuddle :(

Ok.... motivating music on, mumsnet off... any other tips for forcing me to do my jobs?

Break it down. Pick one thing to do and them reward yourself with a cup of tea and cake or biccies when you've done it. Repeat for each task you accomplish. : )

Thanks sarahplane I was just writing myself a list as you posted that, I decided that priority was hospital bag - then start cooking - then when that was in oven attempt the push chair.

I find motivating myself is much like motivating my kids: risk and reward... and the latter usually works better!

Set yourself goals. Small, achievable ones are best (otherwise you just feel worse about yourself). Things like "This morning I'll chop up 6 carrots ready for a batch load of Shepherd's Pies." Then reward yourself: "Once I've done that I can have: 30 minutes on the sofa/a cuppa & watch Jeremy Kyle/my favourite chocolate bar/I'll buy myself a magazine" whatever it is that motivates you.

The other thing is: give yourself a break. Being pregnant is hard! Beating yourself up for not putting the buggy together helps nothing - it just makes you feel lousy about yourself.

Mix the jobs into things you're already doing too. When you make dinner; make twice as much: freeze one lot, eat one lot. Same amount of work, twice as much done.

Next time you get dressed: socks on; socks in the bag; knickers one pair on; knickers one pair in the bag; get out of the shower: towel from the radiator, one in the bag. It'll be packed in no time.

And get yourself a cuddle too. Friends, family, anyone'll do really - they're free and make you feel much better, even scientists say so (Hugs are good for you.

Everything daddyblog said and ask people for help if you need it

Ah you guys are lovely, thank you for replying.

I think Im all overwhelmed and emotional which is clouding the practical issues really. I know I will feel better when I make a start on things.

Anyway, thank you again... Im going to go and chuck some stuff in a case upstairs and will then come back and eat some chocolate cake (step 1 - reward!) even if I can't finish it, knowing I have some sodding knickers and a toothbrush collected together will make me feel better. Im sure I used to run a business, why these things are so challenging is beyond me

Make a list, including the things you've done already and then cross things off it to make yourself feel better. Like others have said, rewards for what you've done. And decide how much you want to do each day, and when you've done it, relax and tell yourself you've finished work for the day.

If you're really feeling rough physically go online and order a supermarket shop including some ready meals instead of cooking

Or can you invite a friend round to help you cook food?

And don't worry too much about the buggy - you won't need it in the car to go to hospital, you can carry your new baby as far as the car. (though you do need a carseat fitted). But those are the sorts of things that if you can't cope with, do phone a friend and flatter them in to coming round and helping you. Can't think of anyone I know that I wouldn't do that for if they asked - but your friends aren't mindreaders so you do need to ask.

And remember to look forward to how exciting it will be to have a new baby :)

Lying on the sofa will encourage the baby to stay back to back, try some forward leaning postures even if it means just straddling a chair and leaning forward on the back of it to help turn the baby, that way you can be doing something constructive and resting at the same time!

Make a list of the things that need doing and be fully prepared to delegate them if anyone offers any help at all. Don't let anyone else do the knickers though, you'll hate them if they pack you the wrong ones!

Leave the buggy if you don't need it straight away, a good job for your visitors who come to see the baby.

I made a pigs ear of my hospital bag packing - so glad I never needed it, woefully inadequate!

Thought I would report back and say.... I made a lasagne, shepherds pie and a huuugggge pan of broth to portion up. yayyyyy! Stupidly proud of myself!

Knickers still not in bag but taking the advice further up, I am going to do that when I get dressed tomorrow :)

I think leaving the buggy is a good idea but its taking up valuable living room space so wanted to get it tucked away - I think I am trying so hard to appear independent and "with it" that I struggle to let anyone see I need help. I know I need to kick that aside as when baby is here I'll need all the help I can get, but I just hate appearing like Im not managing. It's hard sometimes :S

Also, thank for the tip on constructive lazing.... I reckon I could eat cake on all 4's leaning on my mat ball now you mention it..... for the babies sake, obviously

Yay! Well done! I didn't move for the last month of pregnancy except on my extremely frequent trips to the toilet. The whole nesting/baking thing passed by then so the thought of making anything other than toast was akin to scaling Everest. I think I'll try that eating cake on all 4s over ball thing. And I'm not even pregnant......

Best of luck x