Just lately I have become very aware that these last few months have taken their toll on my mental and physical wellbeing, even more than I realised. Between working, running the home and studying I have found myself getting quite overwhelmed at times. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have taken on quite so much at this present time. It doesn't help that at this time of year my body often feels exhausted just from holding itself tense with cold. These grey, wet days leave much to be desired and I cant wait to enjoy getting up on the fells again. Add my long term sleeping problems into the mix and it could definitely turn into a downward spiral.
I am also very aware that in these situations there can be no quick fix or waving of a magic wand to restore some equilibrium. So I'm going back to basics. Eating well, exercising more and hopefully my sleep patterns will improve as a result.
I am happy to report that, as of last week, I have now completed my coursework, and I don't have any intentions of reaching for the text books anytime soon. This in itself should free up some valuable time, which with any luck, I should be able to use for exercising. Every new year I make a promise to myself to prioritise my wellbeing, but I always fall short on this, usually putting the needs of others before my own. I hope this year will be the exception, and I can only be encouraged by the significant birthday that's on the horizon ;)
This morning I have used the last of the summer fruits to make some compote and there is now a batch of homemade spiced carrot and lentil soup in the freezer. I have baked some flapjack which is cooling as I type and several rather overripe bananas will be finding their way into a banana and cinnamon loaf just as soon as I have drunk my coffee.
I am off work for now, so this coming week I intend to balance some fun days out with getting my house back into some sort of order...in more ways than one :)
J. X
Take care of yourself, Jules and savour all that lovely home-cooking! Spring isn't far away now.xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vix. I'm longing for some warm spring days now. X
DeleteEnjoy your week off and find some time just for you!Barbarax
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. I hope to. X
DeleteIt sounds like the week off work is just what you need. I think we all go through these times when our bodies and minds are out of kilter, it can take a little time but eating well, fresh air and exercise definitely helps.
ReplyDeleteI think a week off with very little to do would be better :) I've a lot of chores to catch up on, but better to get them done now, rather than when the sun is shining. X
DeleteI think it is very easy for us woman to burn out as we easily take on too much without realising until it's too late. Looking back I did my early years qualification with a 6 month old, a 4 year old and an 8 year old and no family support and towards the end I really struggled. It has been a struggle in the past when I worked a lot more hours and Husband worked full time, to jiggle childcare. He had the chance to take redundancy a couple of years ago with a good package and that made us decide to step off the hamster wheel. We now both work a couple of days a week and spend a lot more time as a family in a simpler way of life. It was the best decision we made.
ReplyDeleteI hope as we move into lighter evenings and better weather you feel yourself relax and restore your wellbeing. It doesn't help, as I know from recent personal experience, losing a parent. It is a huge loss to deal with emotionally. Big hugs xx
You did well to juggle so much at the time, and now you can enjoy the results of all your hard work. X
DeleteI don't know how you manage it all Jules, being a Super Mum, running a home, working and studying and even keeping your blog going, it's no wonder you feel exhausted. Take it easy this week and I hope you can recharge your batteries, have fun and enjoy your time spent at home xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen. Although, I don't feel very 'super' at the moment :)
DeleteStudy done!
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
Now, please...
Remember your good intentions.
If you don't take care of yourself first, and go down in a heap, who will take care of your Family?
And who will Keep Your Home?
And who will work and bring in your part of the Income?
See?????
Gentle hugs...
Point taken. :)
Delete❤️sounds like a gently positive plan, someone once said to me...baby steps - keep the goals obtainable and gentle. That certainly helped me xxx
ReplyDeleteThat is the plan, Kate. But life sometimes has other plans :)
DeleteI think the main thing is getting into a routine where exercise is concerned and just making it part of your day, I find that if I miss it just one day I find it hard to get back to it and I haven't done any at all for the past month as I was unwell. I think we can be too hard on ourselves sometimes you just have to go with the flow and be kind to yourself. It sounds like you have made a great start with with the homemade soup and fruit compote and now you have mentioned them I want some flapjacks too haha. I bet it's a great relief to have completed your coursework, enjoy your half term break. xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you manage to ease yourself back in gently. For me it's not so much the routine but the opportunity I have difficulty with, but now that I have completed my studies it should free up some valuable time. X
DeleteWell done for seeing how the last couple of years have taken their toll and being brave enough to admit it.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, fixing deep problems takes time, but you definitely have the right approach. Sending hugs. xx
Thank you, Jayne. I'm sure the last two years have made much more of an impact than we realise. X
DeleteI'm sorry you've been feeling so tired and down Jules, I hope things start to improve for you soon - finishing your coursework and gaining some time back from that should help and I hope the weather is nice enough for you to get out for a few days this week :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eunice. My wellbeing is often challenged at this time of year. but I'm sure I will feel better once I ease up on myself. X
DeleteIt is hard when you begin to feel so exhausted by everything. When I was studying Psychology in my late 30's alongside everything else I found I was more than overwhelmed and up till all hours writing essays on tricky subjects like Schizophrenia - I look back now and can see how out of balance my life was back then (I have not improved much even now!). I hope you find time to find that balance. Re: your poor sleep - there is some good advice from recent research which more or less suggests getting out into the sunlight each morning and not using any bright lights at night to keep the circadian rhythms in balance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YV_iKnzDRg I found it quite fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI spy some cheery daffodils in the background behind those lovely pots of homemade jam.x
The daffodils were a little treat I picked up whilst doing the weekly shop :)
DeleteI don't have any problems falling asleep at night, but I always wake much too early in a morning (I've not needed my alarm clock for over a year now!). Thank you for the link. It will be interesting to see if my sleep patterns improve moving forward. X
Do hope you have an extra good week both in your days and in better sleeping.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat. The lack of sleep, especially, is beginning to take it's toll. X
DeleteGlad to hear you've completed your coursework and have a week off in which to relax. You've been busy cooking up some delicious sounding treats, too! Hope you have some sunny days during your break and can get plenty of opportunity to go walking. :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the weather is not great this week, which I'm sure is part of the problem. Bring on some sunny days :)
DeleteIt sounds like some sort of life balance is on its way now. Have a lovely week and hopefully get up a couple of those fells.X
ReplyDeleteThe weather is a spanner in the works just now, although I've been busy planning some routes for brighter days :)
DeleteOne less thing to worry about should ease your load somewhat, Jules. Take care of yourself and Lily.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chris. X
DeleteWell done with the course work and I hope you find plenty of opportunities to rest and regain some sort of balance in your life this week.
ReplyDeleteThe food sounds amazing!
xx
Thank you, Joy. I'm determined to make an effort to eat healthier. X
DeleteWoderful that you finished all that course work. Well done xx
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you have been very busy in the kitchen making some yummy things. Nothing like homemade baking really.
Do take care of yourself and enjoy the coming week x
Having been so busy lately, I have found myself making less than healthy choices where food is concerned. Time for a change. X
DeleteGood for you. That compote is making my mouth water. Roll on spring:) B x
ReplyDeleteThe compote is delicious, I like it stirred into my porridge each morning.
DeleteI am hoping that by the time this batch is finished, we will be enjoying some warm spring weather and I will be having chopped fruit and yoghurt for my breakfast instead :)
You have had a tough year.I wish you only the very best of everything in the future.Good Luck with your exercise but don't over do it.One step at a time,you will get there.That Compote looks sooo yummy.I have never made that soup before,might try that combo.Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lee. The soup is delicious. Just soften 600g carrots, add 130g red lentils, a pinch of chilli flakes and a teaspoon of ground cumin. Pour in 1 litre of vegetable stock and 125mls milk, then simmer for 20 minutes. Blend and enjoy! X
DeleteGood for you, my friend. Take care of you and the rest will fall into place. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Billie Jo. That's my plan, at least :)
DeleteI hope you are having a nice and relaxing week so far. The compote looks delicious. I love all your pretty jars! And the sunny, yellow daffodils most definitely remind me that spring is just right around the corner.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julia. Spring can't be far off now. X
DeleteClose your eyes...you can hear birdsong, you are lying on a blanket close to a stream, the sun is filtering through the canopy of trees, the water flows gently over the rocks, you hear a splash, a small fish has just jumped, someone is calling you...it is Lily...with a welcome hot drink and slice of brownie. Life is good...you feel refreshed...OK so it isn't as easy as this...but every little helps doesn't it?! x
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful, although I can guarantee that splash wouldn't be from a fish, but from Lily jumping into the water!!! :D
DeleteWell done on finishing the course work.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that compote is delicious ... enjoy.
Stay warm, stay well and take care.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. X
DeleteBy now, you are hopefully enjoying your week off. You needed this. So pleased to read that you don't have any coursework to worry about now x
ReplyDeleteThe course itself was really interesting, but I am relieved to no longer feel it 'hanging over' me. X
DeleteFirst-time reader (I found your blog through sustainablemum!)
ReplyDeleteWow, I can so relate. Life has just felt so overwhelming and tiring lately. Everything seems to be perpetually off-kilter in this age of COVID.
I'm trying to be easy on myself. Accepting that I'm tired and life has felt extra hard.
The compote looks delicious. Preserves/canning is a skill I've never tried to master, but homemade delicacies like this are hard to beat!
Hello! It is lovely to have you here.
DeleteYes, I am sure I have been feeling overwhelmed as a result of many different factors, so now it is definitely time to try and do something about it.
I hope you can find some sort of balance in your life. X
Sorry to hear you haven't been sleeping well. I agree, it's so important to make our health a priority. I have been getting more cardio in, and it really gives me a psychological lift. Love biking and kayaking outside when I can. We are lucky to have some sunshine this time of year. It makes all the difference. That banana cinnamon loaf sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of exercise I do is certainly dependent on the weather. I'm hoping to get out for a run in the morning and I intend to cycle into work more often. X
Delete