Some categories to touch base on how I am doing this summer.
Physical health: remember how I used to get night sweats because of possible perimenopause? I have not had them since summer started. Could they be related to stress? Overwhelm? Lack of exercise, which is related to increased stress?
Also, congratulating myself on going to yoga every day/every other day. Since I signed up on 07/02, I have already gone 10 times. My unlimited “new” student pass expires on 08/02 so will milk everything out of it prior to its expiration. What will happen in the fall when I go back to full time teaching? I have to go in the evening and on Saturday mornings. I have, have, have to make it work. I came back to yoga this summer after a 5 year absence. I don’t want to give it up now.
Mental health. How is my mental state… It’s actually not bad. I wake up early, read, make breakfast with the kids, hang out with them with no pressure to get out of the door, drop them off, go to yoga, then either go to a coffee shop, or come back to an air-conditioned house where I read, or watch a documentary, or write. Or take a nap. Or all four! Make something to eat. Get dinner started. What’s not to like? Where is the stress? The kids are in camp, and I have relaxed into my days. However, in the back of my mind, thoughts still come up: “Now, now… Don’t get used to this, come end of August, you’ll be back in your hamster wheel.”
Learning. Started “The Origins of You” by Vienna Pharaon. A heavy book, packed with strategies and anecdotes how to face your dysfunctional family baggage. As you may know, my baggage is very heavy. I am skimming, not really doing the exercises for fear that I will fall apart if I do.
Also started “We All Want Impossible Things” by Catherine Newman. Only a few pages in but already am loving it.
Watched “Fair Play” documentary- yes, it is based on Eve Rodsky’s famous book.
Listened to a bunch of podcasts.
Rest/relaxation. Yoga provides relaxation, as well as Meru therapy app (yep, still chugging along!) gives meditations and brief reflections. My days are NOT packed and that is probably number one reason why I am finally feeling relaxed. Let’s not forget afternoon naps. Now, this summer life is not all unicorns pooping rainbows but, on average, I do feel much less stressed.
Kids/family. Still in camp! Still have BJJ and piano. Highlights- we found a new playground in the neighboring town. It’s clean, no vandalism (yet), fenced in, and has plentiful shade.
Money. Don’t want to look at our electric bill this month when it arrives. It’s been so bloody hot that the air conditioner is on at all times. Did nothing for Prime Day, but on Monday I did purchase probiotics to address some stomach bloat issues, fish oil for similar reason – gut health, and a book on boundaries.
Mom of Children 