Ouch...My Brain

I literally have become unable to shut my brain off. It is absurd, and slightly annoying. I've known it's bad for awhile, but yesterday I realized how bad it truly is. I had my monthly prenatal massage (ahhhh heaven) and the entire time my mind was racing with what I needed to do when I got home, what I need to do over the next few days, ideas I have for several different areas from business to baby to blogging....I literally could not just lay there and relax.

I've started feeling guilty anytime I am doing anything slightly enjoyable or frivolous, like watching TV without working at the same time or reading blogs. I feel like I'm just wasting my time away. On Friday I typed out a to-do list for things I want to have done before baby arrives, and it was nearly 50 things right off the top of my head. I've thought of probably 20 more since then.

This is going to seem random, but it ties in I swear.

A couple of weeks ago I went to this Go Red for Women Luncheon in Dallas for the American Heart Association. Laura Bush was the keynote speaker and it was actually a very cool event. Michaels had a table and I was randomly one of the 10 ladies who got to attend with our CMO. Anyway, I learned a lot about heart disease during the breakout sessions that we attended, and it's shocking how many women die of heart disease every year.

Something one of the doctors mentioned really resonated with me, because it makes SO much sense. Women take on so much every single day that they neglect taking care of themselves. They often ignore symptoms that they might have because they "don't have time". Women not only have careers, they have husbands, and children, and homes to take care of, and dinners to cook, and school functions to attend....the list goes on and on and on. It's no wonder that women are constantly stressed out and making themselves sick.

What woman can't relate to that? I literally never stop thinking about what needs to be done. I honestly have a running list of to-do's in my brain at all times. And what's crazy is how incredibly different men are. Arsen is SUCH a hard worker, a great provider, a wonderful husband, and super helpful around the house. But he literally can just stop worrying about things if he wants. He can just put the to-do list out of his mind. From what I've seen and heard, all men are the same.

I'm determined to figure out a way to keep my sanity and get organized and stay on top of it all. How I will do that, I have no idea. But there has to be a way. Any of you experienced wives/mommies/career women have any advice for me? I'll be forever grateful if you'll share...no but really.

5 comments

  1. Here is my advice: plan your meals and just go to the grocery store once a week. Take that list you made and divide it into what can be done now, what can wait, and what others can do. I sheltered my husband from a lot of the baby stuff because I thought he wouldn't be interested and then I found out he felt left out. I was surprised to learn that he actually did want to help pick out things. Also, taking time for yourself and shutting your mind off takes practice. Think of it as a exercise. I still struggle with this one but it really takes practice. Good luck! Truly treasure this less stressful time. It feels really stressful but it isn't compared to when your little one arrives.

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  2. OMG...I had a hormonal breakdown yesterday from being stressed and just coudln't stop crying becuase I feel like our house is always a mess and have so much to do before baby comes. My husband was trying to console me and of course I freak out at him for just being able to sit and watch TV without thinking of the million things that need to get done! I wish I could just relax and take time for myself. I want to get a manicure but I feel like that will take to long so I don't. I want to know how one does it and still manage to stay sane!

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  3. Wow! I struggle with insomnia as it is and i get so aggravated/jealous that my fiance can just turn it off and fall asleep. Especially when he has tons of stuff going on with him. Yet he sleeps. Must be nice!

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  4. My advice: DON'T worry about getting organized and staying on top of it all. You are just setting yourself up for disappointment thinking that you CAN do it all. Because honestly, even the women who appear to have it all together don't. We ALL struggle with trying to balance too much and it is impossible to be 100% successful in every area of our lives. Make time for yourself. Focus on just being HAPPY. Everything that's really important WILL get done. Everything else? It really wasn't that important. Baby will help put a lot of things in perspective for you and open up a new can of stress. Just breathe. Focus on what truly matters: your beautiful family and your health. XOXO

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