I find my perimenopausal journey is this long process of being comfortable with being uncomfortable most of the time. Sounds so zen, doesn't it? I begin to sweat like I am in a sauna for no reason at 5 am, and I have to say over and over until it passes, this is your life now, it will pass. The part I dislike, as someone who has had generalized anxiety most of her life, is when I am having emotional reactions to thoughts, situations, etc. and I have to stop and think, is this my hormones trying to regulate or is this my usual battle? Sometimes, the two merge, and I end up in a spiral that ends in "nope, not able to do ...today." My oldest son is neurodivergent, and he will need me for a long time to help him establish some level of independence for himself. Much of my anxiety is tied into the future, especially as a single Mom. My younger son has his own needs as well, and I have explained to him there are days when Mom needs, "a bit of space and time to care for myself," so that I don't take it out on anyone when feeling overwhelmed. He understands this more and more, as I have also explained to him what is happening to me. He has seen what I'm like when I don't stop and care for myself versus when I do - he prefers a Mom who has had some time to self regulate. I am thinking of going back to acupuncture, I did it several years ago for a muscular injury and my anxiety and I stopped due to financial reasons. It made a huge difference - especially when you find a great practitioner.
I walk, yoga, cold water swim in the Baltic most days (I live in Sweden) & yep, have cut way back on the wine ... which I love ( but is definitely over me).
Massage - yes, but not enough. Now acupuncture. I know next to nothing about. Has it really helped the anxiety?
Acupuncture has definitely helped with anxiety, but it depends on the practitioner. I've found a wonderful woman who specializes in women's health, so that helps. Cold water swimming sounds amazing, but I'm such a baby. I live in New York state, where the lake is chilly (to me) in the summer. Lovely on a hot day, though!
I find my perimenopausal journey is this long process of being comfortable with being uncomfortable most of the time. Sounds so zen, doesn't it? I begin to sweat like I am in a sauna for no reason at 5 am, and I have to say over and over until it passes, this is your life now, it will pass. The part I dislike, as someone who has had generalized anxiety most of her life, is when I am having emotional reactions to thoughts, situations, etc. and I have to stop and think, is this my hormones trying to regulate or is this my usual battle? Sometimes, the two merge, and I end up in a spiral that ends in "nope, not able to do ...today." My oldest son is neurodivergent, and he will need me for a long time to help him establish some level of independence for himself. Much of my anxiety is tied into the future, especially as a single Mom. My younger son has his own needs as well, and I have explained to him there are days when Mom needs, "a bit of space and time to care for myself," so that I don't take it out on anyone when feeling overwhelmed. He understands this more and more, as I have also explained to him what is happening to me. He has seen what I'm like when I don't stop and care for myself versus when I do - he prefers a Mom who has had some time to self regulate. I am thinking of going back to acupuncture, I did it several years ago for a muscular injury and my anxiety and I stopped due to financial reasons. It made a huge difference - especially when you find a great practitioner.
Recognizing your needs and taking care of yourself is so important! Wouldn't it be lovely if insurance covered acupuncture? One can dream ...
The worries that we're able to spin into the years ahead regarding our kids are, I think, the worst kind.
I walk, yoga, cold water swim in the Baltic most days (I live in Sweden) & yep, have cut way back on the wine ... which I love ( but is definitely over me).
Massage - yes, but not enough. Now acupuncture. I know next to nothing about. Has it really helped the anxiety?
Acupuncture has definitely helped with anxiety, but it depends on the practitioner. I've found a wonderful woman who specializes in women's health, so that helps. Cold water swimming sounds amazing, but I'm such a baby. I live in New York state, where the lake is chilly (to me) in the summer. Lovely on a hot day, though!
Cold water swimming is truly life changing.