Relaxation tips

Hi ladies,

So I have a history of irregular AF without having any hormonal reason for it (every time I get levels checked they are normal). I occasionally I have an almost 'normal' cycle with only one patch of fertile CM and a normal length etc. The last one of these was in January when my DH was on holidays and we were doing lots of fun things as a family and I was getting help with our 3 yo DD.

This cycle I am on cd51 with no end in sight (so I am taking Prevera atm to hopefully bring on AF) after a massively stressful couple of weeks at the beginning of my cycle. Im also a big stress head and a perfectionist and definitely 'sweat the small stuff' way too much. So Im starting to think my irregular AF is stress related. If I want to concieve bub #2 without IVF (which is where we're headed soon) I need to chill out but with my personality its almost impossible!!

Does anyone have some good relaxation tips or any books they have read etc that have helped them overcome similar issues? I need help!!

Thanks xx

Look at Bach Flower remedies. They are not a whole solution, but should really help you on your way to being less stressed. Maybe also consider some kind of counselling to help you work through the sweating the small stuff.

Check out yoga if you are that way inclined, but even something like a dance class will help you by being fun and taking your mind off things.

there is actually a book called "dont sweat the small stuff". my dad read it and thought it was great.
the only advice i can give is to think about what ur worrying/stressing about at the time and think is it going to matter in a weeks time. can you remember what you were worrying about last week? did it matter?
i was a crazy lady during pregnancy and would completely overreact about the tiniest things. and i would get so worked up and it would turn in to a big deal. i realised it was happening quite often. in my "sane" moments, i told DF if he senses im starting to blow things out of proportion to literally hold me and tell me (in a nice way) the tiny thing that i am overreacting about. that usually snapped me out of it before it escalated. hope that made sense.

Thanks ladies.

My biggest problem is that I put so much pressure on myself to do everything perfectly all the time ie my house is always perfect, I go to a lot of effort making meals, I iron EVERYTHING:redface: etc. I also take it really personally when DD throws tantrums or has a really bad day. I automatically start putting myself down thinking im doing a crap job as a Mum and that I ought to be doing things differently, which then makes my perfectionism kick into overdrive. Its a vicious cycle!!! Ive always had that kind of over-achieving personality which has helped me schoool/ career wise but really gets in the way of my personal life because nothing I do is ever good enough.

I also stress that because im a SAHM I need to prove that im not free-loading off my DH or something, that I work really hard while he is at work earning money. He doesnt put that pressure on me, I do it entirely to myself and I wish I could stop.

I try to take deep 'yoga' breaths. A psychic once told me I am a shallow breather - she was channelling (?) my feelings etc... & told me to take deeper breaths - it might help you? Hard to be aware sometimes of your breath- you really have to be still/sitting to realise if your breath is shallow/fast etc...
What about trying yoga or something like that - I only go once a week but geez I am a much more calmer person & don't really sweat the small stuff anymore. TBH I used to play scenarios in my mind how things would play out/happen & I think this contributed to my stress levels - yoga has helped me be aware in the moment/the now.

Thats interesting you say that, I think I might be a shallow breather as well due to bad lung capacity (no smoking or asthma, just not great lungs). I will give it a try :)

A funny thing happened: as I was walking along with DD this morning we passed a Beads shop. We went inside and I found out they run classes, so I decided I will go on a Friday while DD is at pre-school. Im really excited because ive always wanted to learn how to make jewellery! I think its something I could really get into, especially at night while DD is in bed. It was such a coincidence that I found it today, I think :)

Soph, sounds great - it will give you something to focus on & be about you.!