Self-Care Q&A Response #14 ft Lola

Self-Care Q&A Response #14

The final contributor for this this round of responses is Lola of Don’t Dream Do (formally Jittery Jetsetter). You can find her on Twitter here if you want to check her out or give her a follow.

1. How do you know when you are in need of some self-care?

It’s a feeling that I get in my chest, almost like very mild anxiety. It can either just come over me randomly or I can wake up with it and i feel down or sad.

2. Once you are aware that you need to take care of yourself, do you usually do so alone or do you have someone you can go to when you need some TLC?

It depends on the severity of it, if I’m feeling really down I need to be alone but if its not as bad I would definitely seek out my partner, one of my friends, my sister or my niece.


3. Do you find it hard to make time for yourself?

Yes for sure! Life is so hectic, I work full time, visit my Dad who’s in a care home with dementia 2 hours every day, walk the dog twice a day so there’s barely time cook meals never mind time to relax.


4. Is there anything that gets in the way of your “me” time/disrupts it (for me: noises outside can put me on edge or if other people are home I need to be mindful of how long I take, say, in the shower)?

Yep just everyday life lol, I feel like I shouldn’t be chilling out or something fun when there are things that need doing like housework or errands.


5. Do you ever feel guilty for having “me” time?

As I rarely have ‘me’ time not really no.


6. Do you schedule in “me” time or do you “go with the flow”/only take “me” time when you feel you need it?

I would say I only have ‘me’ time when I’m feeling really low. I should try to ‘treat’ myself when I’m feeling good too and hoping to try yoga and meditation if I ever get the time:)

7. Is there a self-care routine that you try to follow?

Once I’ve woken up in the morning i need to lie for 5 minutes just to take in the day, during which I’m usually complaining in my head about having to get up and walk the dog, however having to go out in the fresh air really clears my head and then I enjoy a nice hot bath before starting work.


8. When you feel down/not like your usual self; what do you do to cheer yourself up (hobbies, being with loved ones etc)?

A bath always helps, a face mask and I always feel better after washing my hair. If I’m feeling down I usually have to get out the house and into a different space. I love swimming and used to go every day but I don’t have a car anymore so can’t fit it it.

9. Do you have any mantras that you say to yourself as a pick me up or on a daily basis?

I don’t really, but if I’m feeling down I always try to remind myself of times when life has been worse, like when I had to go to a job I hated or didn’t live in the nicest of houses to make myself see how much better things are now.

10. Finally; do you have any self-care tips for anyone who might be reading this?

Do what you love! Theres no set rules as everyone enjoys different things so whatever makes you feel good - do it!!

~ That is it for this round of responses. I know that whenever I do a poll with this as an option no one ever picks it but numbers don’t lie and people do actually read them so I’m going to be keeping it open for this section to make a comeback at some point. Plus, I’m actually really proud of the Q&A. It was my first attempt at something of its sort and I feel like it did really well.

See you tomorrow for the instalment of favourites!

Anxiously,
Me

If you decide to use this, please let me know first and give credit. There’s nothing worse than finding out something that you worked really hard on has been taken and uncredited, sometimes even plagiarised.

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Self-Care Response #13 ft Kerry

Self-Care Q&A

This week it’s the wonderful Kerry at Don’t Drop the Baby’s turn to write a response! Find out what she had to say below. You can find her on Twitter as well!

1. How do you know when you are in need of some self-care?

When I start to get snappy with my family, my chest starts to get tight, and intrusive thoughts start to appear again. This also happens when I'm extremely tired or have PMT!

2. Once you are aware that you need to take care of yourself, do you usually do so alone or do you have someone you can go to when you need some TLC?

I am very much a loner, especially when I am feeling anxious or overwhelmed. I need to spend time by myself either listening to music or being mindful.

3. Do you find it hard to make time for yourself?

Yes definitely. I have a 3 year old daughter, my partner works shifts, and neither of us have any family nearby. My 'me time' is squeezed into a couple of hours every evening! Although my daughter has started nursery now so things will get easier.

4. Is there anything that gets in the way of your “me” time/disrupts it (for me: noises outside can put me on edge or if other people are home I need to be mindful of how long I take, say, in the shower)?

I'm the same with noises outside! Sometimes if I'm extremely anxious and my partner is working nights, I get very jumpy at every little noise. I suppose social media can also affect my 'me time', as sometimes it can wind me up or make me even more anxious!

5. Do you ever feel guilty for having “me” time?

I used to when my daughter was younger, but not so much anymore as I hardly ever get it!

6. Do you schedule in “me” time or do you “go with the flow”/only take “me” time when you feel you need it?

I do try to schedule in nights out with my friends as it gives me something to look forward to. Other than that I very much just go with the flow. I will always tell my partner if I need a break though and he will take my daughter out for a bit on the weekends.

7. Is there a self-care routine that you try to follow?

Yes, I do high intensity cardio workouts every other morning (at home), yoga, follow a healthy diet and use my Headspace app to practice mindfulness.

8. When you feel down/not like your usual self; what do you do to cheer yourself up (hobbies, being with loved ones etc)?

I listen to my favourite music, write my blog and have a couple of glasses of wine. This usually leads to a really good cry and I always feel better the day after.

9. Do you have any mantras that you say to yourself as a pick me up or on a daily basis?

Not on a daily basis, but I usually just say "what will be will be"

                                                                                                                                                                              

10. Finally; do you have any self-care tips for anyone who might be reading this?

I cannot recommend a regular exercise routine strongly enough, it has completely changed my life. I haven't used medication to control my anxiety for years, I do it all through exercise, diet and mindfulness.

~ Thanks again to Kerry for answering the questions! Again, you can find her at https://dontdropthebaby.co.uk/ and https://twitter.com/KerryMeeGee.

Anxiously,

Me

If you decide to use this, please let me know first and give credit. There’s nothing worse than finding out something that you worked really hard on has been taken and uncredited, sometimes even plagiarised.

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Self-Care Q&A Response #12 ft. Bunnie

Self-Care Q&A

My new friend, Bunnie, is the 3^rd contributor in this round! You can find her on Twitter and her blog. Discover what she had to say about self-care here:

1. How do you know when you are in need of some self-care?

I feel tired and run down. I can feel myself slipping/getting lower in mood. I don’t want to go out.

2. Once you are aware that you need to take care of yourself, do you usually do so alone or do you have someone you can go to when you need some TLC?

I like to do it alone.

3. Do you find it hard to make time for yourself?

Sometimes. Yes, most of the time. I feel like I’m needed and if I go to take a day to myself to sleep and wind down the whole word goes into chaos. (My world and home life at least)

4. Is there anything that gets in the way of your “me” time/disrupts it (for me: noises outside can put me on edge or if other people are home I need to be mindful of how long I take, say, in the shower)?

I have two animals, a cat and a hedgehog. As cats generally are, my boy is laid back and very easy to look after. However, my hedgehog is hard work. I adore her. I wouldn’t change her for the world, I never regret getting her but she is a lot of work. I also have a partner whom I live with. I am besotted but he relies on me quite heavily. We both struggle with mental health issues and I feel like I have to be around and stable/okay to make sure I can support him. He would probably hate to hear me say this. He doesn’t do anything to make me feel that way – it’s just how I feel even if it’s not true.

5. Do you ever feel guilty for having “me” time?

Not guilty as such. I don’t think that would be the right word. I know that the people around me know of my struggles and that it’s something I need to do (heck, everyone should do) but like you said before – I do feel that I need to rush.

6. Do you schedule in “me” time or do you “go with the flow”/only take “me” time when you feel you need it?

I have a whole routine I have written up which one day I would love to follow. It includes proper bed and meal times and a “Mental Health Day” where my phone is off and everything but self-care is cancelled – I am unavailable to any-one else. Yet, at the minute it’s just me grabbing a bath in the evenings I can, to unwind.

7. Is there a self-care routine that you try to follow?

 Not really in a set order but there are certain things I like to do on MH days

·         Eat healthier and three full meals

·         Plenty of water

·         Bath with candles and relaxing music

·         Yoga

·         Meditate

·         Brain training apps

·         Read

·         Drink camomile tea

·         Have a chat with someone on 7 Cups (kind of like counselling)

8. When you feel down/not like your usual self; what do you do to cheer yourself up (hobbies, being with loved ones etc)?

Carry out my MH day, sometimes I’ll bake, read, watch a film (especially “Inside Out” which reminds me it’s okay to feel the things I feel) but my favourite thing is, if I’m feeling up to it (and can get a lift). I visit my best friend. She has an 11 month old and they never fail to cheer me up. I know I can just be myself and sit and feel sorry for myself, have a nap or watch crap on YouTube. She’ll normally drag me out to the shops which is good because I get some sunlight and a little walk. If the weather’s nice we’ll have lunch outside too which is lovely. Plus her little one gives the BEST cuddles.

9. Do you have any mantras that you say to yourself as a pick me up or on a daily basis?

No, I really should have some affirmations. I suppose I try to remind myself that it’s okay to feel the things I’m feeling, that I’m human, I’m not alone and it’s not going to last forever. After writing this out I think I’m going to add that perhaps I’m feeling low as a reminder to take some time to myself.

10. Finally; do you have any self-care tips for anyone who might be reading this? 

YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE TIME TO YOURSELF. It’s necessary actually. It’s an order okay? DO IT. Take one day a week. Do something YOU love. Turn off your phone. Shut everything else out – this is time for you. Nothing else matters today.

~ Thanks again to Bunnie for answering the questions! Remember that you can find her at happybunnieblog.wixsite.com/happybunnie and https://twitter.com/happybunnieblog.

Anxiously,

Me

If you decide to use this, please let me know first and give credit. There’s nothing worse than finding out something that you worked really hard on has been taken and uncredited, sometimes even plagiarised.

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Self-Care Q&A Response #10 ft Will

Self –Care Q &A/Tag

Hi everyone!

The final response is from the lovely Will. It’s crazy to think that this is the 10^th week in a row where I have been fortunate enough to post one a week to complete the series. You can find Will on Twitter and on his website. Let’s get into it!

1. How do you know when you are in need of some self-care?

W: I have times when everything I can think of that I must do feels hopeless, or overwhelming. I begin to instinctively search for a reason as to why I feel that way, and naturally begin to criticize myself for being weak or pathetic. It took a long time, but now when I start thinking that way, I take a step back from my thoughts and tell myself I need to seek distraction and some kind of comfort.

2. Once you are aware that you need to take care of yourself, do you usually do so alone or do you have someone you can go to when you need some TLC?

I have rarely been fortunate enough to have someone to whom I can turn when I need some self-care. And when I have grown close enough to someone that I try to share those feelings with them, it is all the more painful when they leave me. I would love to feel that I can depend on someone, but after a series of losses in that department, most of which I don't really understand, I find that it's safest for me to take care of myself alone. I do find that I feel safest and calmest when I can be alone during times when I need to self-care.

3. Do you find it hard to make time for yourself?

I am a carer for my mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease about 15 months ago. As such, I do find it almost impossible to make time for myself. Furthermore, when I do manage to get some alone time or leave the house for a while, I find I am constantly worrying about her and feel a pull to return home and make sure everything is ok.

4. Is there anything that gets in the way of your “me” time/disrupts it (for me: noises outside can put me on edge or if other people are home I need to be mindful of how long I take, say, in the shower)?

My mum is an obvious thing that makes it difficult, but I find that other people in general disrupt my "me" time. I've always been the person that people come to for support/advice - the big brother, the carer, the mature friend - I am afraid to ever talk for more than a few moments about myself. As such, I internalise a lot, which I know is unhealthy, but I genuinely feel like I have no choice but to do that. I do enjoy taking time alone to slow down my thoughts, but really I think having someone I felt I could depend on would be the best thing that could happen to me. Sadly, I think it's just science fiction for me - I don't have a clue how to find that person.

5. Do you ever feel guilty for having “me” time?

All the time. I know that all of my family are having difficulties, and it seems I am the only person who can help, so when I take time for myself I am letting them down.

6. Do you schedule in “me” time or do you “go with the flow”/only take “me” time when you feel you need it?

I do try to fit in some "me" time every day, but often it is just the period of time that I lay in bed before falling asleep. I often find that to be the worst time for depressive thoughts to get the better of me, as I am alone with just them.

7. Is there a self-care routine that you try to follow?

No, I have had routines in the past that often turned into something akin to rituals. They often become quite time consuming and impractical, so I try to avoid those kinds of routines now.

8. When you feel down/not like your usual self; what do you do to cheer yourself up (hobbies, being with loved ones etc)?

I like to write, or to make music, when I'm not feeling myself - I find my creativity peaks when depression takes hold (unless it grips me particularly powerfully, in which case I become very unproductive). I also like to try and exercise, or meditate. I don't find loved ones to be helpful; in fact, I've found on numerous occasions that when I reveal that side of myself, people back away from me. So I try not to let it show anymore, because nothing hurts more than exposing your vulnerability and being rejected.

9. Do you have any mantras that you say to yourself as a pick me up or on a daily basis?

To be honest, the most effective mantra I can say to myself is "f*ck it!" And "it will pass". If I can convince myself that things don't matter as much as my depressed self thinks they do, and that the bad feeling will pass, then I can usually ride it out.

10. Finally; do you have any self-care tips for anyone who might be reading this?

You are beautiful, and you are special. You are braver than any 'normal' person out there, and you are not the only person who feels the way you do. Have courage, and be aware that your mental health condition is the thing that makes you special, as much as it makes you suffer. What you see as your flaws are merely details that make you the perfect 'you', and no-one is better at being you! Please try to let people know bout how you feel as soon as possible; the longer you hold it inside, the worse it will get, and the harder it will be to communicate it with people. And do a little bit of research about 'Indigo Children' - maybe you're one!

~ We are at the end of this run of responses. It’s been a fun run and hopefully I’ll be back with some more in the new year! I did originally have 15 people interested in posting responses but I’m still waiting on them getting back to so thought it best to stop after 10 and then pick it back up again later when I have x amount more.

Anxiously,

Me

If you decide to use this, please let me know first and give credit. There’s nothing worse than finding out something that you worked really hard on has been taken and uncredited, sometimes even plagiarised.

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A Bit of a Slump/Announcement

Right now I am in a bit of a slump when it comes to how I'm feeling, getting motivated and figuring out what I want to write about. I feel so awful all of the time; I'm exhausted even though I'm sleeping better than I have done in years, every little thing is getting to me and my anxiety and depression are really bad. I can't be bothered to do anything hence why, when I'm feeling OK, I always talk about how much writing I'm doing. I get it all "out of the way" as I know that feeling is only temporary and I'll go back to feeling really down and demotivated in a short while. It gives me a chance of keeping this blog on a schedule and also allows me to recover whilst still only posting promotional Tweets/Facebook posts now that my scheduler is working.

For now I'm taking a bit of a social media break, something which I know a lot of you already know about and have been really supportive of so far (thank you; it means so much), but I really would love to know if there is anything you want to see more of this month.
Here are some things I wouldn't mind doing/talking about:

Tags/Q&As
Posts on bullying, school etc
How To posts (like my untagging one)

Is there anything you would like to see? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter/Facebook and I'll see what I can do!

Speak of future posts, that brings me onto my announcement; I will be taking part in Blogtober this year! I have already written some posts on my good days for said event and have a set schedule for that. Is there anything you want to see during Blogtober? Again, please let me know in the comments; I always look forward to reading them and interacting with you all.

Thanks for being so supportive 💖

Anxiously,

Me

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Self-Care Q&A Response #9 with Becca

Self –Care Q &A/Tag

My friend Becca is the guest poster this week! You can find her on Twitter and on her blog right here. As always; my #ff recommendation is the guest of the week so go follow her and say “hi”!

1. How do you know when you are in need of some self-care?

Because of my depression, i will feel really low and get very anxious. Then me and my partner know I need some 'me' time.

2. Once you are aware that you need to take care of yourself, do you usually do so alone or do you have someone you can go to when you need some TLC?

It can vary. Sometimes I will take some time out; have a bath or read a book. Sometimes I will spend some time with my other half. Watch a movie or just cuddle.

3. Do you find it hard to make time for yourself?

Yes extremely. With two children finding the time can be hard.

4. Is there anything that gets in the way of your “me” time/disrupts it (for me: noises outside can put me on edge or if other people are home I need to be mindful of how long I take, say, in the shower)?

The children, although I don't find it 'gets' in the way. I always have to think of them before myself.

5. Do you ever feel guilty for having “me” time?

All the time!!

6. Do you schedule in “me” time or do you “go with the flow”/only take “me” time when you feel you need it?

Only when I feel I need it!

7. Is there a self-care routine that you try to follow?

Relaxing, my me time is usually a bath or a long shower or laying in my bed and reading! If I can't do that I don't usually do anything else.

8. When you feel down/not like your usual self; what do you do to cheer yourself up (hobbies, being with loved ones etc)?

I read blog, books, being with my family is a great way to cheer myself up.

9. Do you have any mantras that you say to yourself as a pick me up or on a daily basis?

I always say "take it one step at a time"

10. Finally; do you have any self-care tips for anyone who might be reading this?

Do whatever makes you calm or happy. That is what makes it self care. Caring for yourself

~ Question of the week; do you have a self-care routine? Let me know in the comments below!

Anxiously,

Me

If you decide to use this, please let me know first and give credit. There’s nothing worse than finding out something that you worked really hard on has been taken and uncredited, sometimes even plagiarised.

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Self-Care Response #8 with Nikki

Self –Care Q &A/Tag

This week’s guest responder is Nikki. You can find her on Twitter and on her blog. It’s just a short one this week but still very valid to my blog.

1. How do you know when you are in need of some self-care?

N: I know when I'm in need of self care if I feel like things are getting too much to handle and if my daily routine is becoming a struggle.

2. Once you are aware that you need to take care of yourself, do you usually do so alone or do you have someone you can go to when you need some TLC?

Usually I go have a nap if I'm on my own. Or I go to my boyfriend.

3. Do you find it hard to make time for yourself?

Yes I find it hard to find time for myself. I feel like I should always be doing things to make others happy. It's a way to occupy myself from my ptsd.

4. Is there anything that gets in the way of your “me” time/disrupts it (for me: noises outside can put me on edge or if other people are home I need to be mindful of how long I take, say, in the shower)?

My own stubbornness gets in the way of me time because I'm still in denial that I'm mentally ill.

5. Do you ever feel guilty for having “me” time?

Not really.

6. Do you schedule in “me” time or do you “go with the flow”/only take “me” time when you feel you need it?

I just get me time when I can.

7. Is there a self-care routine that you try to follow?

No. I will either have a nap. Or dye my hair and style it.

8. When you feel down/not like your usual self; what do you do to cheer yourself up (hobbies, being with loved ones etc)?

I can't cheer myself up on my own. I have to get help from someone else otherwise I go downhill.

9. Do you have any mantras that you say to yourself as a pick me up or on a daily basis?

'Everything happens for a reason'

10. Finally; do you have any self-care tips for anyone who might be reading this?

Tip: listen to yourself. Only you know what you need, no one else.

~ That is it for this week! Again, you can find Nikki on Twitter and her blog.

I have something that I am super excited about to share with you Monday but until then; please stick around and see what else my blog has to offer.

Anxiously,

Me

If you decide to use this, please let me know first and give credit. There’s nothing worse than finding out something that you worked really hard on has been taken and uncredited, sometimes even plagiarised.

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Self-Care Q&A Response #7 - Katie

Self –Care Q &A/Tag

This week’s response comes from the glorious Katie! Read below to find out how she takes care of herself when she’s feeling down and how she knows when she needs some self-care. You can find her blog here and on Twitter.

1. How do you know when you are in need of some self-care?

I know I'm in need of self-care when I start to feel run down or drained - sometimes it can even be that I notice I've let my nails chip or not washed my hair in days, then I'm like... ok, pull your finger out Katie.

2. Once you are aware that you need to take care of yourself, do you usually do so alone or do you have someone you can go to when you need some TLC?

I really value alone time - I used to hate my own company, but now I'm like gimme more! I find peace in being quiet and being able to please myself.. that said my boyfriend makes me feel loved/safe/secure, so I value him a lot too.

3. Do you find it hard to make time for yourself?

Sometimes, yes. I get it in my head that I'm being selfish or that there's a billion and one other things to be getting on with, like laundry or cleaning; but if I don't take care of me every now and again, I'm never gonna be able to tackle those billion and one other things! It's all about finding a balance.

4. Is there anything that gets in the way of your “me” time/disrupts it (for me: noises outside can put me on edge or if other people are home I need to be mindful of how long I take, say, in the shower)?

I live with a fair few people in the house and I don't always feel able to relax, I'm just on edge - but when I'm in my room I feel a lot better. Mostly I'm best when nobody else is home!

5. Do you ever feel guilty for having “me” time?

100%! Like I said, I'll justify it that there's loads of other things to do, people will think I'm being selfish etc.

6. Do you schedule in “me” time or do you “go with the flow”/only take “me” time when you feel you need it?

I generally go with the flow, but if I feel like I'm reaching that point where I've pushed myself too hard or I'm drained, I'll make a point of going 'ok, so tonight I'm going to do this, this & that, just for me!'

7. Is there a self-care routine that you try to follow?

Not particularly, I guess I like to do my nails, skincare, eyebrows etc and feel like I've really taken the time to physically look after myself. I try to eat when I'm hungry, sleep when I'm tired, exercise a little - I think I just try to listen to my body and mind as much as poss!

8. When you feel down/not like your usual self; what do you do to cheer yourself up (hobbies, being with loved ones etc)?

I like to have a hot bath (preferably with a Lush bubble bar!), listen to music, watch Harry Potter or a Disney - my boyfriend is brilliant, and my Grandad can be so uplifting to be around. I find running to be really good for me, especially if I'm feeling tense, and I definitely find blogging therapeutic, especially since I talk about mental health a lot - it's a good outlet!

9. Do you have any mantras that you say to yourself as a pick me up or on a daily basis?

Funnily enough, it's only recently that I've started 'talking to myself' in an effort to pick myself up; whether it's just a "come on Katie, pick yourself up", or an "I WANT TO LIVE", in order to push myself to seize the day as much as I can, live in the moment a little. Sometimes it's just as simple as "You're ok". Surprisingly, it really can help.

10. Finally; do you have any self-care tips for anyone who might be reading this?

Firstly I would say, you're not to feel guilty for making time for yourself - I know I'm one to preach! But it's crucial to take care of/& love yourself. It's like acceptance & it can make the world of difference. I've recently discovered the joys of my own company & not having to please other people all the time - which is a big deal for a self-confessed people-pleaser! My point is, if you want to do something, do it. Like to paint? Go paint. Like to swim? Go swim. Like to grow vegetables? Go grow! Doing things that make your soul happy makes pathways for more happiness.

~ Thanks again to Katie Rose for taking part! How do you  relax?

Anxiously,

Me

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Self-Care Q&A #6 ft. Kayleigh (Brushneen_blog)

Self –Care Q&A/Tag

This week sees the lovely Kayleigh providing the answers to the "Self-Care Q&A". You can find her on Twitter and on her blog.

                                               

1. How do you know when you are in need of some self-care?

I have what's known as a generalised anxiety disorder which comes with many ups and downs, good times and bad, I know that I need to invest in some self care when it starts to become a daily struggle again, when I feel I'm constantly worrying, on edge and physical symptoms become more frequent (racing heart, feeling short of breath, tense etc) and I just feel overwhelmed with it all.

2. Once you are aware that you need to take care of yourself, do you usually do so alone or do you have someone you can go to when you need some TLC?

It's only since I began to blog (approx 2 months ago) that I started to be more open about my mental health and struggles with anxiety. I tend to try and keep it to myself as much as possible but If things get to much and I feel I need some help to help me through whether it's a shoulder to cry on, a chat or both I'll turn to my Fiancé and close family. They have stood by me through so much and continue to do so and I can't thank them enough for that.

3. Do you find it hard to make time for yourself?

I find it very difficult to make time for myself, I think many parents can relate to that, I absolutely love being a mummy and my family are my world but it is easy to … well ... neglect myself I suppose with everything else that needs to be done and making sure everyone else is ok. I think I just need to make a bit more of an effort to look after me as well sometimes.

4. Is there anything that gets in the way of your “me” time/disrupts it (for me: noises outside can put me on edge or if other people are home I need to be mindful of how long I take, say, in the shower)?

Hmmm.. I suppose this can sort of tie in with my previous answer in that there's just not much time for that "me time" i'd say, as silly as it sounds, it's actually mostly myself that gets in the way as I find it hard to relax and I'm always thinking/stressing about what needs to be done so just don't schedule in time for myself.

5. Do you ever feel guilty for having “me” time?

Yes. As much as I know it's important I do always feel so guilty if I have taken some time out for myself even if it's just an hour in the bath! I'll be battling to justify it to myself and thinking about other things I could be getting done or that I should have focused that time on my daughter. It's difficult.

6. Do you schedule in “me” time or do you “go with the flow”/only take “me” time when you feel you need it?

I rarely schedule "me time" it's very much just going with the flow. It's not really a regular thing.

7. Is there a self-care routine that you try to follow?

I wouldn't say I have a routine as such but there are certain things I tend to do when feeling a bit overwhelmed, things that help to ease the anxiety.

8. When you feel down/not like your usual self; what do you do to cheer yourself up (hobbies, being with loved ones etc)?

For me you can't beat a day out with my loved ones, they always manage to cheer me up. I also find reading, writing and music helps to relax me. I'm really enjoying writing my blog and find that quite therapeutic. Another thing that helps is getting out to get some fresh air, a nice walk or even a visit to the park with the little one. I tend to isolate myself when my anxiety is bad yet always feel so much better when I've pushed myself to get out and about.

9. Do you have any mantras that you say to yourself as a pick me up or on a daily basis?

Not really, I just remind myself that I've got through it before and I can do it again and that everything will be ok.

10. Finally; do you have any self-care tips for anyone who might be reading this?

It's something I'm still working on but try not to close up and battle it by yourself, don't be afraid to ask for help and talk, it really does help! Find a hobby or something you enjoy that you can help to calm, relax you and take your mind off any worries/stress. Be kind to yourself, remember that you're important too.

~ How is this the 6th response to this already? Only 4 more left then we'll see about maybe doing a 2nd round, or a new Q&A!

Anxiously,

Me

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