Monday
Apr122010
Done done done
Monday, April 12, 2010 at 04:11PM
I'm so busy, and I'm so exhausted, and I'm so very over it all.
Lately I've been trying to fit in far too many things in the few hours I have each week. Work has been nonstop, and because I'm in the car commuting about 2.5 hours a day, I feel like I have zero time to get life taken care of. We're planning a wedding, I'm training for a 5K, I'm working on various craft projects and gifts, we're looking for an apartment (which is nearly impossible in the small town we're trying to move to, and therefore incredibly time-consuming), there are showers and parties and get-togethers happening left and right, and that's not even mentioning all the little daily things like trying to keep our apartment from becoming a disaster zone, filling up my gas tank three times a week, buying groceries, eating something more than cereal for all three meals, and all the other little tasks that never seem to go away.
On top of everything, I'm not sleeping well. This is nothing new, but I thought my recent prescription for Ambien was going to help. It did for awhile, and then even that started to fail me. I've always heard that regular exercise is supposed to help you sleep better, but I'm in week 7 of the Couch to 5K program and it hasn't affected my sleep one bit. In fact all the rumors I've heard about exercise have so far been false. I can run further and longer than I could six weeks ago, true, but I still always feel tired, I don't have any more energy, and my body feels just as achy and old as it did before. So this running thing is not helping matters. Sometimes it makes it more difficult as I have to find time for it in the middle of a busy schedule.
Today I'm so worn out I want to curl up in bed, have a good cry, and sleep for two days. Except I don't have the energy to cry, and I can't sleep for a couple hours, let alone days. And it's only Monday. Can I get a break yet or what?
Lately I've been trying to fit in far too many things in the few hours I have each week. Work has been nonstop, and because I'm in the car commuting about 2.5 hours a day, I feel like I have zero time to get life taken care of. We're planning a wedding, I'm training for a 5K, I'm working on various craft projects and gifts, we're looking for an apartment (which is nearly impossible in the small town we're trying to move to, and therefore incredibly time-consuming), there are showers and parties and get-togethers happening left and right, and that's not even mentioning all the little daily things like trying to keep our apartment from becoming a disaster zone, filling up my gas tank three times a week, buying groceries, eating something more than cereal for all three meals, and all the other little tasks that never seem to go away.
On top of everything, I'm not sleeping well. This is nothing new, but I thought my recent prescription for Ambien was going to help. It did for awhile, and then even that started to fail me. I've always heard that regular exercise is supposed to help you sleep better, but I'm in week 7 of the Couch to 5K program and it hasn't affected my sleep one bit. In fact all the rumors I've heard about exercise have so far been false. I can run further and longer than I could six weeks ago, true, but I still always feel tired, I don't have any more energy, and my body feels just as achy and old as it did before. So this running thing is not helping matters. Sometimes it makes it more difficult as I have to find time for it in the middle of a busy schedule.
Today I'm so worn out I want to curl up in bed, have a good cry, and sleep for two days. Except I don't have the energy to cry, and I can't sleep for a couple hours, let alone days. And it's only Monday. Can I get a break yet or what?
Reader Comments (10)
Man, oh man, do I feel you! I know it's a huge cliche, but it never feels like there's enough hours in the day. Hang in there, darlin'.
If you're anything like me, you will feel much better after the wedding. I can't promise you that you'll sleep better, or that you'll have more hours in the day, or that you won't still be running around like a chicken with your head cut off. BUT! Something about NOT being the center of attention anymore, the person who everyone calls with little suggestions or questions, the person under all this pressure to feel or do things a certain way - well, it was a huge weight off my shoulders, and I hope it will be for you too.
And not to sound like a know-it-all gym teacher, but exercise REALLY makes me tired when I'm not focused on eating the right things at the right times. Make sure you are fueling your body! It is under a lot of stress right now. Eat something (I like bananas) before your runs, and make sure you get some protein/complex carbs within 30 minutes to an hour after your runs. It seems weird, but it does help. And drink water. Lots of it. Even slight dehydration can *really* wear you down.
And above all else - HUGS!! I hope you feel much better soon.
Sounds like you your body is telling you to slow down...is there anything you can cut out?
Losing 2.5 hours a day in driving time is extremely draining. Hopefully, if you can move (and hold out until then), that will give you back some time. I didn't notice it then, but I do now that I am closer to work, even having a 45 minute commute each way seemed to be a lot out of my day.
As for the insomnia, if this were just an isolated incident, I would venture to say it would be due to all of the changes in your life - wedding stress, work stress, anxiety over both, etc. But it isn't an isolated incident. Could it be something hormonal? Could it be genetic? Does anyone else in your family have trouble sleeping? Could it be a hypothyroid? I'm just throwing things out there. But my thought is, if the Ambien isn't working, maybe talk to your doctor again. That just doesn't seem right.
I would be done too. I hope something gives soon for you! Sending virtual hugs your way!
I hear you on the having-no-time-for-anything front (commuting is a beotch!), and I am sorry to hear about the sleep deprivation -- such a drag!! You are such a rock star for planning a wedding, working, 5K-ing AND trying to have a life! I send you all sorts of love and good vibes! :)
I remember thinking that all of the exercise rumors were untrue, and most probably are. But if nothing else, looking trimmer helps justify some of the pain of it all. :)
I did not know you were looking to move! Where to (you don't have to post here)?
Miss ya, Shan -- keep fighting the good fight! :)
Maybe a good cry is exactly what you need. It helps sometimes.
I wish I had some recommendation for you! They do say exercise helps - however, if you are truly exhausted, exercising is only draining you more (I've been there).
Maybe you just need to take a break?
Thinking of you babe, and hoping things are much better today.
UGH. That was my week this past week. And probably the next week. I'm sorry--I totally know that feeling where you are just DONEZO. This too shall pass, friend. And I echo Jane's comment...wait til the wedding's over. It really does help. Also, yes, make sure you're eating enough--believe it or not, a lot of women who exercise don't. And the sleep deprivation doesn't help you cope any better, either, you poor thing. Wish you lived in town--we could have a bottle of wine and commisserate.
XOXO
It's kind of funny, because everyone told me life would be so busy once I put a child in the mix. From the moment Emily moved in, my life has slowed down. It's like I had to remove so much in my life to fit this little girl, and it's much better now.
Kevin on the other hand, well, let's just say I'm glad to have a husband back in June.