The last few weeks have been really tiring & stressful for me with a lot going on and two nasty bugs in a row knocking me and the girls for six.
We are on the mend now, but I am still feeling congested, achy & croaky – I need to take things a bit easier than I have been to kick this properly. Every time I have done too much I have felt like I’ve gotten worse all over again, with the morning after each particularly busy day being really tough. Even worse than the flu bug and physical exhaustion, I just feel emotionally exhausted too.
My parents are coming to visit us this weekend for a few nights, and so I am going to be taking a break from most of my blogging and working for a few days before & while they are here, in order to try and get my head together a bit. I’ve been feeling really stressed and quite emotional the last few days, putting myself under too much pressure at home and online.
I feel like I’ve been holding myself up to imaginary standards, and when I haven’t met them I’ve felt guilty. At the end of the day I want my blog to be something I do for the enjoyment of it. It isn’t my job, it’s not how I make my money (when I do make money!) and it’s supposed to be my happy place. I’ve been blogging somewhere or somehow for well over ten years, but never on this scale – I don’t want my decade long love of my hobby being ruined by stress or pressure.
So, I apologise if I have a review due or I haven’t replied to all of my emails, but I have been collapsing into bed shortly after the kids have, and then been trying to put all of my limited energy & enthusiasm into the girls during the day. I’ve had difficulty with my mental health in the past and I know that if I keep trying to carry on as I am without taking a break, and a minute to just breathe, I am headed toward a bad place again.
I will, of course, try to meet any strict deadlines I have agreed to, but #theouttakes won’t be going ahead for the next few weeks – I am going to be busy with family this weekend, and then our much-needed holiday later in the month means I will be busy for a few weeks. Keep an eye on my blog for the winner of my DIY competition (shockingly late, sorry!), and also to find out what we thought of the new “I’m Cheaper” Morrisons. I might be back before our holiday, or afterwards, but I am sure the break will do me good & I will be busy testing products and review items, even if I’m not writing them all up late into the night 😉
You definately need a break, take it easy. Your health comes first, I know it myself having been through a really bad period. xx Takre care
I don’t often contribute/post on blogs but I do enjoy reading them. I know just where you are in the need for a breather…without one you end up burned out. I’m sure everyone who reads your blog will say the same thing and wish you a happy time with your family and for your holiday
Have a lovely break! Sounds like it will do you the world of good! Have a lovely time with your family x
You deserve a well-earnt rest. I think we all do at times and it is far better to do so now than to push yourself beyond your limits. I had Postnatal depression last year and it was the first time i experienced anything like that and one of the reasons for it turned out to be that I had really high expectations of myself and just couldn’t carry on like that. I also read somewhere recently that mental health problems are not a sign of weakness but a sign of someone who has remained strong for too long – those words have stuck in my mind and I remind myself of that each time i’m putting too much pressure on myself. Enjoy your break. We plan to do the same over summer by having a little blogging break. xxx
Take it easy, my lovely. The world’s not going anywhere and health and well being are far more important. I tried to spot you at BlogOnMOSI but didn’t see you until I was on the way out of the door. I wanted to say hello because I’ve been reading your blog for ages. Next time!
You’re the most important thing. Take it easy, relax and destress. Enjoy the time with your family x