@HillsBesideTheSea you’re right, we’re not meant to be on the go all the time. I can’t thank you enough for pointing out that it is normal sometimes for our immune system to pick up lots, in order to get stronger. I was spiralling quite badly until I read that. I am going to focus on doing what I can, and if I get something, resting as much as I can and trying not to stress about it. Sorry to hear you are feeling stressed too lately, it seems you’re far from alone if our magical thread is anything to go by. I hope the meeting with the school went OK and you were able to get out on that hill walk.
@queenrollo a tired collective! That’s about the measure of it! Sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with migraines, they are just hideous. I’m pleased to hear you’re on the mend, but they do tend to cause a “hangover” don’t they? Have you any idea where to start with your detox? I don’t have much experience. I did a juice cleanse when they were in vogue about a decade ago. It wasn’t really for me! Could you look into some gentle fasting perhaps?
@BlankTimes “think a lot of the exhaustion a lot of us are feeling…comes from trying to fulfil other peoples' often unrealistic expectations of us, not just physically but emotionally too.” I think you may well be on to something there. I know certainly for me, this follows the back of a hectic winter of socialising (often when I didn’t really want to) and having people in my space. I also think a lot of it is not dealing with the grief of a bereavement earlier in the year, because I was too busy trying to support everyone else. Even now, my dog has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and I am running around trying to make sure everyone else is OK when in fact I’m hopelessly heartbroken myself. Sorry, bit of a ramble there. Anyway, I agree with you that emotional causes can result in physical manifestations. We often forget that the mind and body are entirely connected. I loved reading about the different systems for emotional health – I have tried acupuncture for a health issue (with great success) and have dabbled with EFT. What is your go to?
@speakout I am sorry to hear you are having such a hard time of it at the moment too, I can’t imagine the crushing responsibility of being a carer for an elderly relative / relatives with MH issues. I find during times of turmoil like that, I cling to my routines for sanity, so it doesn’t surprise me to hear that having your working day interrupted for someone else’s life admin was irritating. “I am fed up caring for others, being the responsible one having to sort out the day to day care and sort out benefit applications etc for other people.” So what would happen if you stopped? Or said you needed a break, at the very least? We can’t give what we don’t have. Or we battle on, tirelessly but resentfully, and that isn’t ultimately helpful for anyone in the long run. Your women’s empowerment course sounds incredible, that along with the counselling will hopefully provide you with some space and time to process everything and get yourself back to where you want to be. On a side note, if I’m feeling burnt out, I am all for cutting corners. If your mum is capable of cooking but won’t cook, I would either offer her whatever you’re making for yourself or simply buy in some ready meals for her. We can’t just give and give and give until there is nothing left for us.
@AnotherCrazyBirdLady I’m glad you feel less alone, I’ve certainly done my fair share of moaning on this thread lately! Re: beating yourself up for being selfish/indulgent when really all you’re doing is taking care of yourself, I have a couple of simple mantras I repeat to myself that snap me out of that headspace. “You can’t pour from an empty cup” and “a rising tide lifts all ships”. You owe it to yourself, and the wider world, to take good care of yourself.
@hilariousnamehere thanks for sharing your joy, that sounds blissful. You can’t beat a catch-up with an old friend in my book. Especially if there are squidgy baby cuddles involved!
I am feeling much better today, thanks to a restorative night of sleep and a very restful day. I’ve realised my problem is I just push too hard all the time and have unrealistic expectations of myself. Quite possibly a predicament most of us are dealing with I suspect.
I hope we all feel brighter soon. xx