Back before we had kids when I worked full-time (for pay LOL), I would occasionally take a “mental health day”. Depending on the job and my mental state, sometimes it was planned, but every once in a while I’d have to do it spur of the moment. Once we had Jones and I was working part-time, I’d still (about once every 6 months) take him to daycare on a day I had off. Some of the time off would be spent on getting necessary stuff done, some would be spent on me. I’d shop, I’d read, I’d splurge on small indulgences. It all went a long way towards helping me stay balanced and happy.
I haven’t done that since I quit work. I figured that as soon as Shoo was in preschool, I’d have about 15 hours a week that were mine and that I could use those for my mental health. Somehow, between my volunteer work, my paid work, my running, the boys, and the stuff that must be done on the house, I never take time to do things for myself, except for running. I’ve found myself constantly on the edge of a breakdown. Running has been keeping me on the right side of that edge, but being under constant stress meant I was only one crisis away from going over the edge. Add in the fact that I’ve been shorting myself on sleep in order to keep up and you have a recipe for disaster.
Tuesday night we realized there is a mouse in the ceiling of our basement where it’s going to be difficult to trap it. And I lost my shit. Seriously, a two year old temper tantrum would have looked mild by comparison and I know a lot more curse words than the average 2 year old. Luckily, the boys were asleep and Beer Geek got to be the only witness.
Thankfully, Beer Geek was able to take the next afternoon off to be with the boys and I went shopping. It was nice to wander the mall with no to do list and no time constraints. I ended up getting some running tights, some new moisturizer, and a few other things. I’m still tired and there’s still a lot of stressful stuff to be worked through (and I think the damn mouse is still there), but I’ve dialed back my stress level enough that I’m not quite so close to the breaking point anymore. And that’s a good thing.
Moral of the story? Running is awesome. It’s a great stress release. But sometimes you need to find time to do other things in life that you enjoy. Now if I could just find time to read a book…
I can totally relate to this post! Glad you were able to get away and recoup! Have a great weekend!
I remember witnessing a very similar temper tantrum when I was a little girl. My dad lost HIS shit over a cricket chirping in the wall. Back then I thought he had lost his mind. Now I COMPLETELY understand.
And that's why G and I are headed to San Francisco in July. A girls' weekend and a half marathon. It's perfect. You should come.
I can totally relate!!! I am glad you got some much deserved time to get in some retail therapy.
My life was crazy when the kids were little too. I worked part-time at that point of my life and in some ways work was a mental break!
I'm a huge believer in mental health days! I started using them back in college to decompress-I also have not taken one in a while and could definitely use it. Glad you got some time to yourself!
I have said it before and I'll say it again, I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DO IT. I can't imagine having children… working… taking care of the house… finding time to run ETC ETC ETC. Okay, I'm getting stressed out. I think I need a mental health day. 🙂
I don't have kids, a husband or a proper job and I have a meltdown at least once a week. You're way stronger than I am. 🙂
Enjoy your weekend. Hope you get some R&R.
Glad you got some R&R. Did your mouse send his friend cross country to my house? We just set some traps as we left the house. So annoying.
I don't know how you keep it together at the best of times, you have so much going on! I'm glad you were able to get some time to yourself. Have a great weekend!
so so so true. and important. i had been talking w a therapist a while back and my homework was to go for a walk or do something for me – then she said NO EXERCISE in that…..and my mind shifted, at first i was like yea go run, but as soon as she said NO exercise i almost had a panic attack – what was i goingto do – how can i not be productive…but it is true and even now i am trying to just sit down for 10 minutes and do nothing.
Yes, running is awesome, and so much cheaper than therapy!!
So glad you got that bit of time off for yourself. I schedule a few hours each Friday just for me, but usually cram it with errands and tasks. I need to take a cue from you and do the same thing. I actually raised my voice at work this week and that is not a good thing.Maybe you can make this "me" time a regular habit?
exactly what Marlene said!
You are a trooper! And I couldn't agree more – mental rest days are a necessary thing! Yes, running is great. But I think you can come immune to it – you know? Kind of like alcohol for a drinker – you need more and more to get the job done. Sometimes I don't feel like I really spent all that pent up energy and stress unless I run long, and finding the time for that can be hard!Glad you found time for yourself 😉
I understand!!! From time to time, I drop the kids off at daycare knowing that I have already called work to let them know Im not coming in and I come back and sleep, or clean or watch trash tv. I need those days….