Life has taken on some new routines since September. Both girls now go to the same secondary school. This means I don't need to get up so early as their Dad drops them off, on his way to work.
So after they've gone, I can get myself ready...do any bits I need to do around the house, then wander down to my studio. It's a lovely, gentle routine. Don't get me wrong, there's the normal, teenage angst first thing, mainly revolving around hair and brows. But then there's quiet.
It's at the pace I need. I've vowed to myself before I went away, to only ever have three things on my To Do list, anymore than this causes me too much stress. Very different to how things used to be, I think I've always been a stress junkie, seeking out challenges over and above what was good for me. Taking on extra responsibilities, supporting those who were very vulnerable, and absorbing their stress too.
Of course, at the time I didn't realise what an impact this was having on me. Sometimes it takes a drastic change in our health, to understand what's happening in our lives. Would I have done anything differently, I like to think I would, but in reality I think things would probably have been the same.
Now, as soon as I feel any stress, my body reacts immediately. It's almost as if someone has injected me with a poison, that's the only way to describe it. Poison, felt instantly, causing me to shut down, physically and emotionally. I suppose it's my body trying to protect itself.
No ones life is completely stress free, well I don't think so. I have my fair share of stresses, it's not all roses. So I try and build in 'stress free' moments throughout my day. Crochet and craft. Meditation. Eating well. Gentle excersise...keeping my body moving. Time in my studio. Time in my garden. All helps.
So, if you are feeling under a lot of stress, try to find some way to release some of this pressure. Create a new routine if you can, put yourself first, even if it's only for a few minutes each day. Take care of yourself, there's only you who can really do this. Don't let your body down.
Right, a few more rows of crochet has been prescribed, by me...for me!
Amanda :) xxx
Stress free cat.
Posted with Blogsy
Great advice!
ReplyDelete:) xxx
DeleteRx: Cuddle cat three times a day, increase if neccessary. 🐱 Cats are such de-stressors (if it is a word) for me.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! ;) xxx
DeleteI am just as guilty of not saying No, now the only requests that are hardly ever refused are from the children, but even they get a no now and then to the more exotic requests. Me sleeping out in the thin Tee Pee, no way, instead we made a tent in the dining room and slept in there.
ReplyDeleteIf we never say No, how can we expect our children to learn how to adapt when things don't go their way? I think inside camping is fun too :) xxx
DeleteWhat a great post, I feel very stressed at the moment and my body does not like it!, cat's however are always stress free!, I like the idea of yoga or meditation. Take Care of yourselfxx
ReplyDeleteYoga and meditation are a great way of handling stress, so too is respecting yourself and knowing when enough is enough! :) xxx
Deletetake care of ourselves …… so true!
ReplyDeletehappy day, xxxxx Ale
Only way to go Ale! ;) xxx
DeleteYour post really chimes with me. Even now retired, I still find myself feeling stressed if I have too many - often very pleasant - things happening in a day. I have cut back drastically in the last 3-4 months. Unfortunately one of the things which has fallen by the wayside has been my blog, though I'm back with that. Quite noticeable that several of us bloggers have needed to 'take a break'. Enjoy your more relaxed mornings. I remember the day my boys began staying for school lunch - WHAT a huge amount of time I felt I had to myself then! Reading, cooking and crochet have been particularly good for me recently, though my music has been another casualty. Need to get playing again! Stay de-stressed! Lxx
ReplyDeleteI think us 'doers' try and do too much, I was never really satisfied unless I was packing so many new and challenging things into my life...I'm learning, this isn't always the way to go! Nothing wrong with slowing down, or even stopping occasionally, just as long as we enjoy life :) xxx
DeleteYour post really hit home regards the stresses of life. We all need a outlet and like you art and crafts have always been my saviour. A lovely post with wonderful photos x
ReplyDeleteI think creative outlets keep many of us sane! ;) xxx
DeleteI need to learn to crochet... And slow down. Glad you're feeling less stressed x Sarah
ReplyDeleteCrochet is great for stress Sarah, that is unless you're following a new pattern! Xxx
DeleteArgh not sure if my post got sent or got lost, took a phone all in the middle! The gist of what I said was that - this could have been written by me, over the last few years I have got worse at handling stress, as soon as stress hits, my body just shuts down, I feel exhausted and can't function unless I sleep. As you say I suppose it's my body's way of handling it. Trouble is shutting down is not very convenient!! Maybe I need some new routines in my life too.
ReplyDeleteJillxo
Yes shutting down, especially with a family isn't good! Our bodies are designed to cope with a certain amount of stress, look at what our cave ancestors had to endure, but an overload is poison to us. Hope to get you stress free moments Jill...and soon :) xxx
DeleteAh, I can now comment!! I hope that you enjoy your new routines and that the strategies for managing your stress work well for you. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy, I have to continually tell myself to slow down, mentally and physically. It's not something I do naturally so it's been like learning a whole new approach to life, I'm several years on but still forget at times. Glad you were able to comment, I'm always having difficulties :) xxx
DeleteVery wise Amanda! And now the really hard bit - actually doing it and sticking to it. You owe it not just to yourself, but to your family to look after yourself. So it's not selfish, it's good for them as well. Enjoy looking after yourself. All good wishes, Deborah
ReplyDeleteI think over the last few years I've realised its more selfish to put everyone else first, we often do it for 'a quiet life' but actually we need to look after ourselves, otherwise it all gets messed up anyway! ;) xxx
Delete'mainly revolving around hair and brows' - 13 year olds must the be same world over!
ReplyDeleteI think so Patsy, we should never think we are alone! ;) xxx
DeleteVery many wise words lovely. I still have a habit of trying to do too much - a tiny whiff of energy and I'm off. And then I pay for it. It's a constant learning curve for me to pace myself and go gently and not feel guilty about it. I'm getting there, slowly. So glad you have managed to create a gentler routine xxx
ReplyDeleteI think the key is not to feel guilty Zoe, give yourself permission to be still and take things easy :) xxx
DeleteGood Afternoon Amanda, I think as women we are all guilty of trying to do too much, to help others and to put ourselves at the bottom of the list.... I know I have certainly been guilty of this in the past. Interestingly, I know when I am stressed, because my back tells me, I really have terrible back pain, but I now know it is my body telling me to slow down.
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you I love your wallpaper on your blog, it reminds me of the M&S sheets my daughters used to have on their beds in the 1970's.... infact I think it is the same.... they loved this material.
I have enjoyed my visit, so I have become a new follower.
Best wishes to you.
Daphne
ivyphyllisandme.blogspot.co.uk
We do put ourselves at the bottom of the list don't we, but actually we do ourselves or those that rely on us any favours! If we go down it all crumbles anyway. Yes it is M&S 1970s, sheets, duvet covers, curtains and wallpaper to match! :) xxx
DeleteEvening Amanda, it is strange, I read your post while away in the New Forest, oddly I give myself permission to 'do nothing' when away, well the basics and time to crochet, watching the trees blowing in the wind. It is a change of routine, somehow we feel guilty when home and trying to take time for us also there are too many distractions.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect holiday! ;) xxx
Delete