Hello my dear friends,
today's post is to ask all of you to take care of yourselves and not just physically but also mentally. A sudden and very recent visit to the ER for me was a wake up call and a very scary one too.
I have been stressed out for weeks and weeks now and every little thing would just make it so much worse. Worry about my health after a recent scare, my family, our cats and other things were so intense these past few weeks if not months and unfortunately I tend to take things to heart which has now really started to effect me.
Apart from all of the above things, I have also been putting a lot of pressure onto myself lately about not being able to be creative like I used to be. The more I thought about it, the worse it got. You might think it is silly that I did so, but I love to create and when that doesn't work for a long time, it can really get to me. I was getting upset that I couldn't come up with a gift idea for my friends for Christmas because I so love to gift at Christmas. I was overall unhappy with not having any idea to share on Todolwen for the festive season and in the end it bothered me a lot. Especially because being creative is meant to be fun, it is not meant for me to put myself under pressure to "produce" something.
With everything that was already going on, I would also stress out over so many really unimportant things like bad drivers on the road, rude people and so much other stuff. I would tend to concentrate more on things that had gone wrong instead of good things that happened and would go over them in my mind again and again. It just got too much and I wasn't even aware of it. I went to have my blood pressure checked several mornings ago at a pharmacy and it was at a very dangerous level and I was told to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Next stop ... the ER.
I was scared, actually very scared because blood pressure that high can cause a heart attack or a stroke and I didn't want either to happen to me. Thankfully it went down quite well in the hospital, still somewhat high but better.
What now? ... Change!
I am going on medication to keep my blood pressure at a good level while I am working on myself. The first thing I am working on is my stress levels. Taking deep breaths and actually telling myself to not let what ever bother me seems to be working for me most of the time but there is more work needed. More exercise and a better diet is also something I have to work on now. I went for another check up a couple of days ago with my doctor and my blood pressure is already at lower levels which is so great to hear. I am also taking little breaks through out my day, just to sit and breath for a minute or two and when it comes to being creative, I am just going to play it as it comes as they say. So hopefully all of this will make me feel much better in the future.
I am going on medication to keep my blood pressure at a good level while I am working on myself. The first thing I am working on is my stress levels. Taking deep breaths and actually telling myself to not let what ever bother me seems to be working for me most of the time but there is more work needed. More exercise and a better diet is also something I have to work on now. I went for another check up a couple of days ago with my doctor and my blood pressure is already at lower levels which is so great to hear. I am also taking little breaks through out my day, just to sit and breath for a minute or two and when it comes to being creative, I am just going to play it as it comes as they say. So hopefully all of this will make me feel much better in the future.
And for you my dear friends, I wish you all good health and please, take good care of yourselves.
I hope you are well my dear friends and life is treating you kind.
Hugs.
So sorry you've been so stressed and that it's been affecting your health. Guess it's a good wake-up call to learn to take care of you first and try not to worry about what's happening in your surroundings. We could all learn a little from that I think. Take care of you!
ReplyDeleteEasier said than done, I'm sure. Just take a deep breath and revel in the moment. Enjoy what's around you, and take care of yourself.
ReplyDeletexo
SuZeQ
Mighty hugs, mounds of love~ you're treasured and I'm so glad you're taking time for you <3
ReplyDeleteIsn't is strange what we can find ourselves stressing over? Such little things when one is able to finally stand back and see what one is doing...At one point, I used to wear a rubber band on my wrist and if I caught myself obsessing or having negative thoughts I would snap the rubber band. It really helped me refocus. Maybe it will help you as well.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers and positive thoughts your way!
Mi dispiace che hai questo problema, ma non devi preoccuparti se non hai idee creative in questo momento, vuol dire che hai bisogno di un attimo di riposo. E non preoccuparti per noi, ci hai donato talmente tante idee che credo possiamo vivere di rendita per un po di tempo. Ti auguro ogni bene e abbi cura di te. Un abbraccio forte forte e un saluto dall'Italia Silvana
ReplyDeleteOh Karen I can really relate to what you've been going through and am so pleased that it was spotted in time. A real "wake up call" as you say! Now you must continue to relax and enjoy all the wonderful positive things and block those stressful thoughts right out. I'm sure your creative spirit will return when you just start playing and having fun. Much love from Margie xxx
ReplyDeleteSending warm thoughts and lots of positive energy your way. Hope everything will work out for you soon and you will find your spirit again.
ReplyDeleteMany hugs from Lina
My dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteMy Best wishes for you. A big and a sunnny hug from Portugal.Rosa
Nimm dir Zeit, um dich zu erholen.
ReplyDeleteIch wünsche dir von Herzen gute Besserung, eine besinnliche und ruhige Adventszeit
Sei gesegnet
yase
Oh, do take care of yourself! Blogging and creating should be fun and relaxing, not a stress producer. We'll be here when you feel like creating again. Sometimes you just have to take a break, clear your mind, take a walk, and be easy on yourself.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Karen for this post , I can totally relate and needed to hear your words of wisdom at this exact time ! Sending you warm hugs and best wishes for good health , mentally and physically now and in the New Year to come . Love all your creativity and am looking forward to seeing much more whenever the "ideas" return . God Bless
ReplyDeleteI have been there with the stress and high blood pressure and yes, the ER visit also. We do need to take better care of ourselves and one another. I am sure to take at least one "day off" from everything and you should too.
ReplyDeleteOh Karen I am so sorry. We can really get inside our heads sometimes with life issues. You sound like you are on a better track now to be more aware of your own feelings and how they are effecting you. I think also as women... mothers, wives, grandmothers etc. we take on so much more emotionally. That is the hard part to be able to let go sometimes and just let life happen and worry less. I am glad to hear you are starting to find ways to take care of yourself. Hugs hugs hugs.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kris
Sweet Friend, Do take care of yourself! I have also been under a lot of life's stress but have learned to deal with what is in front of me at that very moment. We cannot control life happenings but we can control how we deal with it. As for my creative time I haven't gotten to do exactly what I've wanted to do but still had the need to keep my hands busy. I've found little projects that I can do to still feel creative even though they were not what I planned. Praying that you are feeling less stressed and are enjoying the beauty that surrounds you. Happiest of Holidays sweet Karen!
ReplyDeleteI understand. So glad your BP is coming down and you're planning healthier measures to bless your body and mind. (((hugs))) xx
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are feeling better and have found the medical help you needed we are blessed to live in this time and help is available. Remember we are celebrating The PRINCE OF PEACES'S birth this month so keep your focus on Him. With love Pam
ReplyDeleteOh dear Karen I wish you peace and ease~ Do what is best for you;
ReplyDeleteand go at your own pace~ (stress can sneak up)
Thank you for your kindness! in thinking of us and passing on your concern for us to "Take care" is a mark of your sweet nature~
Hugs to you, Karen O
My sympathy. My year has been one of very highs and deep lows and I've realized I have to be ruthless in claiming restorative time. I've always been one to pitch in when help was needed but now I self check my emotional and physical resources before saying anything. My advice, take time to play and do what you love, everyone will benefit from a happy healthy you.
ReplyDeleteOh Karen, hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteIt is not easy to stay calm. I have to try day by day too.
Hugs Ines♥
Liebe Karen
ReplyDeletebitte pass auf Dich auf! Ich sehe Deine wunderschoenen Werke so gerne und man sieht auch immer wieviel Liebe Du dafuer aufbringst.
Ich wuensche Dir (und mir), dass Du Deine Kreativitaet zum Entspannen einsetzen kannst und nicht um Dir Stress zu machen! Alles Gute wuensche ich Dir und denke an Dich!
Liebe Gruesse aus Koeln sendet Dir
ute
Карен, выздоравливайте :) Привет из России.
ReplyDeleteYou need some peaceful rest from your cares, Karen. I know where you can begin to find it - lean on Jesus.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 11:28
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Hello Karen, I am so sorry to hear of this. But, I am grateful it was found before you had a stroke like I did. Our society needs to educate people on stress, between heart attacks and stroke it is no joke. I hope you get some rest and have a peaceful New Year. Wishing you good health in 2018!
ReplyDeleteJust saw this Karen as it has been crazy here as well with med issues- won't bore you- all worked out- so miss your creativity, but health is more important. Prayer for your continued recovery. God bless your 2018
ReplyDelete