I feel haggard...run down....ugh...my kiddos are sucking the life out of me.....I need help! Advice? Good books? Am I the only one? Where am I in all of this? I am the Invisible Mom. What are your thoughts? Experiences?
First - go to the doc and find out if something is hormonally off...
Then - get some rest (I know -- this is a laugh!)
Take some time - leave everyone home and go somewhere overnight or for the weekend. You'll come back refreshed -- to a disaster of a house, but at least you'll feel better!
YMMV
LBC
I am 43 and have three kids. My youngest is six and I am listening to my daughter in college cry from two states away. That is the hardest thing ever! My six year old has so much energy. I went to the doctor and got my hormone levels tested. This helped bunches. I chose to go to a doctor that deals in bio-identical hormones and we found out that I almost have no progesterone in my body. I also take thyroid too. These two hormones drop a lot after having kids and age. I have a lot of friends who are going through perimenopause at this age. Progesterone will help with moodiness and lots of the PMS symptoms. Thyroid will help with energy level and many other things. I also take a few herbs.
I sure have been there! First step I do when I feel like this is pay attention to how much sleep I've actually been getting, how much exercise and what I've been eating lately (iron? folic acid? junk food (my downfall!)) Then I try to remember the last time I had a moment of peace...and I try to get away for at least a few minutes for a quiet time...usually reading my Bible....lifting up in prayer, my kids, my husband (and me)....hmm a cup of Tension Tamer tea sounds good about now...
Adding a time (even if brief) where you can center yourself and regroup during the day really helps.
I love books by Sally Clarkson, because she reminds me that this motherhood journey is a marathon and we need to get refreshment along the way so we have something left in the end. www.wholeheart.org Dancing with My Father is her latest book, and I also enjoyed Mom Walk and Seasons of a Mother's Heart.
I'm a mom your age so I know what you are facing, it will get better Girl. My Dr suggested at least a 1/2 hr of exercise for me and it has helped a great deal. It will improve you energy level and spirit. If you can start a regular exercise pgm you will notice the difference as hard as it may seem, I walk briskly or jog every morning early before chidren are up and husband is still here. Also, not sure if you are a church goer or not but you don't need to be, to enjoy books by the Christian author/ pastor, Max Lucado. He has written quite a few inspirational books with a Christian theme on many topics. Go to your public library, I'm sure they will have some to ck out. I read Fearless a few months ago and it was awesome. Try to find a 1/2 hour at least for yourself each day to do something for yourself, even if its excercising, reading in your bedroom, taking a bubble bath etc, it will help energize you.
Hope this helps.
