*Note: This article was originally written for my monthly linkups, which I've archived as it was taking too much out of me. However, I've kept most of the posts written as I realise it's much like a diary with memories that make me nostalgic or smile. I hope you enjoy reading them, too! 🙂
The Little Things that Stress Me Out
I'll be the first to admit that I stress out easily, especially when it comes to work commitments. You'd think that one would become used to it after after these years, but no.
I worry about letting a whole team down, and am the kind of person who can't switch off until my task list has all been struck off. (Whenever my ex-partner mentioned an errand he had to get done, my brain somehow took it up as its duty, too 😛)
*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our Privacy Policy page for more information. Thank you!
The Need to Resist Unnecessary Stress
So. I'm going to resist the urge to do it all in one go, because that's a foolish notion anyway. I suspect that the reasons for this behaviour is due to a lack of self-esteem and also a need for control. So by practising resistance to this harmful habit, it will also increase my resilience for life in general. Pacing — or the tortoise versus the hare concept — is clearly the way to go.
Learning French Online
Sadly, my in-person French classes had to come to a halt, as there weren't enough students to form a group. With every new term, the numbers shrink by half. It's a shame, as that was the one social commitment that I actually looked forward to every week. Even on days when I was in pain, I always walked out of class feeling happy and inspired.
I've had a few lessons on iTalki now and it hasn't been too bad, although I still prefer an actual classroom setting. It's been way more intense than a group class, as I'm forced to communicate nonstop in French the whole time, using a variety of material.
If you're interested in picking up a new language or are looking for a new hobby, why not give iTalki a go? They have a wide selection of native language professional teachers, and you don't have to get dressed up to go to class. The sessions have all been really casual; it seems to be some unspoken agreement where everyone's in home clothes without any makeup on!
Struggling to Get an Exercise Routine Going
It's only been a month and I've already slid off the bandwagon for my "Zero to Hero" fitness programme 😜 I used to be more active, but ever since I had to stop playing team sports due to my blood clotting disorder, I haven't found another sport that I enjoy. I only exercised because it was actually fun.
I try to brainwash myself with all the health benefits, but my body comprises a lazy ass. Anyway, no matter how or what I'm feeling, I'm going to get back to the regime. No excuses.
Supporting the Supporters
Those with chronic illnesses tend to require more support in life than others, and I am no exception. I feel bad that my parents still need to help me out with medical bills, and I'm in my 30s (we don't have disability benefits here).
I'm grateful to my partner for also helping out a great deal financially, physically and emotionally. This month I'd like to take some time to support them back in little ways that I know I can. For example, preparing healthy and delicious meals, or spending some time listening to their woes. These are actions that will help to nourish their minds and bodies, too.
Changing My Eating Habits for the Better
I know that a large part of how we feel both physically and mentally has to do with gut health, but I'm not taking good enough care of it. My lousy excuses are - it's so easy to order food in Singapore, I'm unwell half the time, I just feel like something junky, I don't enjoy cooking, washing up is never fun, I have cravings so I order takeout again, etc. What a spoilt little first world brat I am 🥺
Anyway, we just bought a multi-cooker, and I've bought a bunch of ingredients. I am going to start prepping and freezing a month's worth of meals today...wish me luck! If you have any delicious recipes to share, drop me a comment! Keyword: easy 😉
Thank you for catching up with me for September 2017! Continue with my next chronic illness life update in November 2017 here, or check out last month's reflections in August 2017.
Comments Archives:
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Pip
Would love to join in on the October link party♥️
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Pip
Would love to participate! Sounds fun and a way to grow our followers and get feedback! It’s mid September. I’m.not sure that I can get this blogged by then. Please let me know how I can be involved in Octobers link party! Pippy
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Sheryl Chan
Yes! A chance for me to ramble without too much thought 😉 It takes only a few minutes to share, but is helpful to gain some focus for the month! Would love to have you join in too…I’m doing this on the 1st of every month so just come back to check out the prompts for that month 🙂
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Sheryl Chan
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Kathy
Start a new conversation in the Member Comments below!I hear you on the diet front! Even though I actually enjoy cooking it uses up so much energy I end up going with takeout way too many times. Planning ahead is something I’ve been trying to do.
I’ve been working on my stress for a few years and it’s a major trigger for my MS. Pacing works wonders, so little step all the way, and don’t forget self kindness and self forgiveness:)
Thanks for sharing your perspective, and for ‘getting it’ 😉 Yes I need to find ways to make eating more delicious and fun, then maybe I’ll look forward to it haha.
Great writing. Your sense of humor shines through, and I’m sure that’s something that helps you in life. I wish you strength. Please be patient and gentle with yourself as you doubtless are with others. 🙂
Aww thank you…I’m not exactly the most humourous person around 😉 Thanks for reading and participating! Hope the prompts were fun and also helpful for the month.
Continuing to maintain an understanding of what are the triggers causing my CFS episodes, which are becoming more frequent. And, above all, keep raising awareness among our medical fraternity that it is not a psychological abberation of my thoughts and that CBT only helps find a level of functioning and not a cure!
That definitely sounds like quite a struggle, especially when others aren’t supportive because it isn’t visible! I hope you nail down the root cause real soon.
Great post! Not stressing myself out unnecessarily, is something I have to work at too! Good luck with the healthy eating and exercise regime! Try and make it as fun as possible! ?
Yes…that’s the key isn’t it…turning it from a chore into fun 😉 Thanks much! x
You’ve got some great things to work on! I’m also doing the Zero to Hero. It’s so hard to exercise with dizzy spells, but this is something I’m not going to give up on. Struggling….but not quitting!
Learning anything new is always a good thing, I suppose 🙂 That’s very good to hear that you’re going for it all the way! Wishing you all the best with it too!
Thank you Kathy…although it’s purely for fun, so there’s nothing to ‘fail’ per se 😉 Nice! Elimination diets sound like a huge feat to me…I should really try one too but….LOOK AT ALL THE FOOD. Heh.
I applaud your efforts at learning French! I have just started a 23 day elimination diet to figure out what is making my stomach so unhappy. I think that changing our diet is so hard.