Self Care: A rebellious act
Today I took the leap and asked for something I have been wanting to ask for a long time for myself. I have struggled dealing with the chronic fatigue that endometriosis and PCOS can bring. My body has been feeling weaker, I have been ill for longer and get ill very quickly. My body is in constant fight or flight mode, which makes healing difficult. Team that with a lack of adequate rest, and it's a recipe for disaster! Especially when you know you're going to be putting yourself through the most physically and mentally draining time of your life.
I asked my boss about going part time, and she was incredibly supportive. So much so it made my cry, surprise surprise as I'm an emotional wreck atm. I have my formal meet tomorrow to see what's next, and of course my next IVF appointment to meet my doctor on Friday. I feel for me personally, going through work full time would not put me physically and mentally where I need to be. I get I am very lucky to be able to do this.
In a world where being busy is worn as a badge of honour, self care can seem a rebellious act. Saying "Hey! I want a break to refocus myself and eat a nutritious lunch with others." Isn't what's being echoed in every work place across the land. People work through their breaks and often don't have time for themselves. However, with mental illness and long term physical illnesses on the rise, is that really what is best for everyone?
Taking time to sort yourself both physically and mentally is paramount when undergoing any treatment for any serious illness, and infertility is an illness. However it is not always viewed as one, and that can be immensely annoying since it has been proven those undergoing infertility treatment have been showing the same amount of stress as those suffering with cancer.
When you put your body through stress, your body never has true time to heal. This is especially true for those suffering with anxiety and long term illnesses like me. I use to find it hard to say "I need help." I still do if I'm honest. I can't remember the last time I felt like I had adequate energy to take on the day, and it's just getting worse.
I have also been struggling to deal with the fact that we are currently infertile, I cry about it some nights. I wonder if we will ever have our baby, and that kind of mental chatter can defeat us all. No matter how many meditations and affirmations I do, I still have down days like any normal person. It's unrealistic to say "I will always be positive." Trying to be positive all the time can often lead to talking down to yourself. Saying things like "Why can't I just get my shit together and stop being a baby." That's not good to anyone, accept the down days and allow yourself to have them. We all do.
Here are some wonderfully simple ways you can look after yourself, and take the power back to you:
I asked my boss about going part time, and she was incredibly supportive. So much so it made my cry, surprise surprise as I'm an emotional wreck atm. I have my formal meet tomorrow to see what's next, and of course my next IVF appointment to meet my doctor on Friday. I feel for me personally, going through work full time would not put me physically and mentally where I need to be. I get I am very lucky to be able to do this.
In a world where being busy is worn as a badge of honour, self care can seem a rebellious act. Saying "Hey! I want a break to refocus myself and eat a nutritious lunch with others." Isn't what's being echoed in every work place across the land. People work through their breaks and often don't have time for themselves. However, with mental illness and long term physical illnesses on the rise, is that really what is best for everyone?
Taking time to sort yourself both physically and mentally is paramount when undergoing any treatment for any serious illness, and infertility is an illness. However it is not always viewed as one, and that can be immensely annoying since it has been proven those undergoing infertility treatment have been showing the same amount of stress as those suffering with cancer.
When you put your body through stress, your body never has true time to heal. This is especially true for those suffering with anxiety and long term illnesses like me. I use to find it hard to say "I need help." I still do if I'm honest. I can't remember the last time I felt like I had adequate energy to take on the day, and it's just getting worse.
I have also been struggling to deal with the fact that we are currently infertile, I cry about it some nights. I wonder if we will ever have our baby, and that kind of mental chatter can defeat us all. No matter how many meditations and affirmations I do, I still have down days like any normal person. It's unrealistic to say "I will always be positive." Trying to be positive all the time can often lead to talking down to yourself. Saying things like "Why can't I just get my shit together and stop being a baby." That's not good to anyone, accept the down days and allow yourself to have them. We all do.
Here are some wonderfully simple ways you can look after yourself, and take the power back to you:
- Do something little you enjoy everyday- This can be as simple as allowing yourself a small piece of chocolate you love or reading a few paragraphs of your favourite book.
- Take your lunch break- Sitting with others and socialising while eating has shown to vastly improve mental health and happiness. Get to know the people around you, ask meaningful questions and make a few meaningful connections.
- Take a bath/shower with a few drops of essential oil and calming music.
- Drink a herbal tea- I love yogi teas, they come with a little inspirational quote about wellbeing on each tag.
- Call a friend- Sometimes having a laugh and a joke with a good friend can really lift your mood.
- Sit in nature- When possible, spend a little time in nature relaxing. You could organise a picnic or just take 5 minutes sitting in the park.
- Stretch- Before you jump out of bed, stretch your arms and mindfully get up.
- Eat nutritious food- Equip your body for the day.
- Limit screen time- Things like social media have been proven to create feelings of inadequacy.
- Gratitude- Write down 5 things you have loved in the day.
- Yoga/Meditation- Meditation helps me sleep, shifts my energy and puts me in a great mood. I haven't had time for yoga but I hope to start again soon.
What do you do to keep yourself grounded and happy?
Love,
Blue moon girl x
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