Learning to look after me

I have been suffering with various things so far throughout this pregnancy - sciatica, acid reflux, morning sickness.... and I was just doing the bare minimum to help myself so I could keep plodding on with what I'm used to doing. I would still push myself to get things done and still expect myself to try and keep up with everyone else. For example, if we went into town altogether I'd still march around at the same pace as everybody else until we'd finished doing whatever needed to be done and then I'd collapse in agony for the rest of the day unable to move. Now I'm writing it down I can see how daft it was.

Source

This week I've decided to slow down a bit - people can wait for me! I set myself one housework task to do a day (be it mop the kitchen floor or take the clean washing upstairs) and if it doesn't get done I'll not beat myself up about it. I walk at my own pace and I don't ever try to keep up with anybody else.

I've also tried to do something for myself a few times a week - like putting a face mask on or having a really luxurious bath (with candles and a cup of tea and all the goodies) or just taking 20 minutes to paint my finger nails!

The last thing I've been doing is lying on my sofa after lunch for an hour or so. If I dose off to sleep in this time then fine, if I just lie there and collect my thoughts and feel my little baby wriggling around inside my belly then that is also fine. 

And you know what? I haven't had to take any painkillers since Sunday evening. I've had aches and pains - but they've not been bad enough to make me mope about or get upset. I've felt much more in tune with my body and I've slept a lot better at night as I've not been struggling to get comfortable in bed. 

I am so glad I've decided to learn to look after myself finally.