Finding Time for Self-Care Amidst Perimenopause and Single Parenting: A Journey to Prioritize Myself

[enfeoffment75]

u need to look after u x

 

[winman]

I work in a school for children with autism. They focus massively on mindfulness. You can find 10 minute videos on YouTube. You literally listen to the music & focus on your breathing. It’s quick, it’s easy & it’s proven to be beneficial.

 

[johncflores1]

Single mum of 3, try to have a bubble bath most nights, even if it’s just 10 minutes, and sometimes self care is music on the drive to and from work or a dog walk xx

 

[beckylynn]

It took me till 30 to realise I needed to say no sometimes and have time for me.

 

[bolestansvet]

When we are stressed our breathing tends to be shallow. Anything that interrupts that may help you feel better. I spend 15 minutes each night on breathwork (Wim Hof Method), as soon as my kids have gone to bed, and I feel so much better afterwards.

 

[tash1982]

@mabelight I'm really bad at saying no, especially when it comes to my son or family (I'm a single mum ),and it's not because of what they ask of me, it's because of who I want to be for them.
Good for you for realising you need some 'you' time. You need to do whatever works for you.
Have you joined Menopausing and Me ? It's an amazing and very informative site about everything to do with menopause x

 

[crotalus71]

At 11 I started to cook for my parents, self-motivated by an interested in eating nicer things than the ready meals they otherwise bought and I discovered I loved cooking. My parents were of course very grateful and their praise and appreciation encouraged me. Also at 11, at the weekend I'd go to the cinema, bowling or skating with friends. Could he do something like that whilst you go get your hair done or whatever makes you feel like you're treating yourself?

 

[testcorp]

Perfectly said! I do crochet sometimes in evenings and find it really soothing .. if you’re someone thats always putting others first ( sounds like you are ) the things you make can be for others so 2 birds 1 stone..
Whatever you do I hope you find your peace to recharge.

 

[sunshine2010]

I used the lady care magnet in my underware and stopped the sweats within 24hrs and help with mood swings. I was skeptical but it really worked for me and my friend who was changing her bed every night. I got mine from boots but amazon has them as well x

 

[4nature]

Maybe see if he can help you in the house a bit too now he's 11. Then you will hopefully both get some down time.
What you need may vary. Could be a chill with a book. A walk in the fresh air, catch up on a programme, watching toktoks, crafting something, having a face mask, doing a foot peel etc. For me, maintenance of my body feels like a chore so those are the things that get abandoned but I appreciate when they're done.

 

[pswarner]

I’m meno too and can’t take HRT I couldn’t cook for 13 people without crying so be proud of yourself. I’ve stopped organising anything big atm as I just can’t cope and don’t want to add more pressure to myself!

 

[postman]

@pswarner that righ5 there is self care. Well done you

 

[cc26]

You can't pour from an empty cup, please do try to do something for yourself everyday you need that and it's the best favour you can do yourself and your son xxx

 

[junebirch4]

Whack some music on really loud and just dance. Works for me

 

[coffeeflunger]

I’m in the same boat as you and my 10 year old daughter is literally surgically attached to me. Don’t get me wrong she does her own thing and has her own interests like street dance and gymnastics but I have no one to have her for a night out etc.
As hard as this sounds I now get up an hour before her every morning so really early on a school day ,put on YouTube and do yoga and Pilates,I’m amazed at how it makes me feel. My rheumatologist told me to do it about 9 years ago and I was like meh but started doing it a few months ago and it’s so good for the body (and mind). I’m in alot of pain every morning but it stretches everything out. I know getting up earlier isn’t for everyone and I have to just get straight to it rather than have a T/coffee or I won’t do it but it works for me and I can now sleep at night rather than be the insomniac I was for as long as I can remember.

 

[ericjameswolverton]

I'm terrible at this too!!
My family come in and go off and do thee own thing after a busy working day!
I go off to the kitchen to make tea!!!!
I'm trying to do something for myself each day, yoga, read a book , take a relaxing bath, my aim is to go swimming twice a week but be saying it since January!!!!
Good luck x

 

[utay62]

my situation sounds very similar. 45 single mum to a 14 year old. I'm perimenopausal and work 3 jobs. I suffer with anxiety and depression but currently on HRT & see a counsellor once a fortnight. self care, relaxation & motivation are things I struggle with. But ladies if you're still not great on HRT you can change it and adjust doses etc. I felt fury too with my first lot of patches. Doc lowered my estrogen patch and changed progesterone patch to a pill. I can't tell you the difference with my anger. it's great. As for self care and relaxation I've started using my led facial mask. Lying there letting it do it's work really seems to calm me for sdome reason. I normally struggle to relax with massages and beauty treatments but this just works for me. I also downloaded the balance app. it's amazing. gives you different meditations suited to how your feeling that day but also programmes you can work through if new to meditation etc. I do this same time as I do my mask. Has really helped me. I've also started going to gym. but I changed the way I work out as perimenopausal women need to work out different. I only do 5mins of cardio now instead of 40 and I lift small weights to tone rather than bulk. it's a game changer. Life changes as a parent once your child becomes a teen. They start spending more time in room and don't need you as much. I suffered with separation anxiety at first. I missed this little person who was stuck to my side for 13 years but I also realised how important it was for her to be her own person too. It's a difficult stage but I've started to embrace those little moments I have on my own. xx

 

[jennkw21]

Life is 100mph and it is understandable you struggle. Put your favourite music on whilst you do housework. Even if it’s half an hour reading before going to sleep or a relaxation podcast daily.

 

[frost27]

I just read , older and wider by Jenny Éclair, its a funny out look on menopause . Was not sure I would read it but my daughter bought me this for mother's day. Its made me realise it is menopause and not depression. It really is a funny book and it makes light of our symptoms. It no longer feels like an ordeal . I keep singing , always look on the bright side of life. I hope you find what you need in life to make you feel charged and ready to face each and every day .

 

[lesigny]

@frost27 that book is amazing. Really helped me change my approach to menopause for the better