https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:01:12 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924734 Mon, 23 Aug 2021 13:44:42 +0000 pachamama 2924734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hmmm I barely feel human these days. I am a teacher starting soon so I have some crippling anxiety. I have not felt normal since I had my son 5.5 years ago.<br /> The only things I enjoy<br /> -running<br /> -sending my kids to my parents house (or anywhere away from me)<br /> -trying medication (I'm on anti-depressant #4 and it's not working yet. fingers crossed.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924733 Mon, 23 Aug 2021 11:03:51 +0000 foodiebee 2924733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: As a fellow newish mom (DS was 8 months when lockdown hit) I really feel this post. Ive struggled mightily with losing myself over the past two years. I am very burned out and know that I need to make changes but haven't been sure what they are yet. I've gone to yoga this week and last once a week, and though I feel uncomfortable going in person, the time alone to connect with myself has been great. I need to do more brainstorming on what I can do to find time for myself, but working two jobs makes that really hard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924732 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 19:42:20 +0000 autumnleaves 2924732@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Changing my exercise routine helped me. I was primarily doing zoom jazzercise classes and after a year plus into the pandemic, we ordered a rowing machine and completing a 20-30 minute rowing workout a couple times a week plus a short run has been good for my multiple health.<br /> Also reading at night - I have read more books this year than I have in a long time.<br /> I also recently started Stitch Fix. I hadn’t bought myself nice clothes to go out in for years. Not that I am going out much right now but I do like wearing non work out clothes that are more fashionable than what I wore 10 years ago. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924731 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 18:27:47 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2924731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got a fit bit for Christmas and started walking in the winter after the kids were in bed. I aimed for 5 nights a week. It was so nice and dark and quiet. That progressed to getting my old bike fixed up this spring and now I bike 5x per week after bedtime while I listen to podcasts. I try and do a longer route on weekends and build my mileage. I’m pumped I finally found an exercise I enjoy doing and I look forward to it. Thinking about buying a spin bike for winter too. DW and I order dinner out every Saturday night for ourselves as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924729 Sat, 21 Aug 2021 05:53:26 +0000 catgirl 2924729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've also started reading for 30-60 minutes each night. I realized I was just wasting time on my phone, computer, or Netflix every night and feeling sluggish and having trouble falling asleep. But I feel so much better if I cut out all screens/electronics at least an hour before bed and read. </p> <p>I make handmade ornaments each year for gifts and I have started working on those, which is great! I love having my hands work on something. </p> <p>Something I do with DD when I need a reset is a 10 minute dance party. DH works weird hours and I can't always have time alone but I find this resets both of our moods. We stop everything we are doing, clear the living room floor, blast music, and dance. </p> <p>And honestly, the very best thing I have done to feel human and sane is to limit how much news I look at in a day. I want to be informed, so I do still check a variety of news sources each day but with a time limit. My stress would go up tremendously when I was overdoing my news intake. It's hard finding a perfect balance but I am always working on it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924726 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 20:53:02 +0000 Lahela017 2924726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've gotten back into reading. In college and before I got married I used to read more, but then life happened and I prioritized other things. I read romance novels mostly that I find really relaxing and stress relieving. I'm so happy I got back into it.</p> <p>Earlier in the pandemic I was doing well with daily yoga, but that fell to the wayside this spring. I bet I'll get into it again this winter. I also did a lot of knitting and crocheting, but that's always been more of a winter activity for me too.</p> <p>I always take a daily walk, too. As I walk, I listen to a podcast, which is really nice too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924725 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 20:41:20 +0000 erinbaderin 2924725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like to run, and got more dedicated to it during the pandemic, going every other day in the mornings. But I live in Ontario and so really only feel comfortable with it from April to October, the rest of the time it doesn’t get light early enough to run before the kids have to go to school and o have to start work. So I got a peloton, and I love it. It gives me the same feeling I used to have when I took gym classes, but without the hassle of going to the gym. I actually look forward to it instead of making myself do it, and I don’t think at all while I’m doing it. </p> <p>I also just got a cross stitch kit - it’s something I did when I was younger and haven’t on a long time, but it is also something I’m really enjoying. </p> <p>And I’m currently doing my other favourite thing - my Friday night combo of a glass of wine and a double feature of Making It and Ted Lasso. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924724 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 19:42:43 +0000 HappyBaker 2924724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: I just started stand up paddle boarding and have been taking swim lessons! I HATE exercising and never understood people who loved being active haha. But I really love these two new things I’ve started and do enjoy being active in these two very specific ways. I was just thinking about this though so interested to read what others say. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924723 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 19:23:36 +0000 karenbme 2924723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: I like this idea, idk what my unicorn space would be either—I truly miss yoga, but I’m not fully ready to go back to the studio with delta and I hate zoom yoga because I can always hear the chaos in the background.</p> <p>@LemonJack: I got my hair cut for the first time since Jan 2020 at the end of July and it felt so good! I used to be religious about hair cuts, but just couldn’t risk it early on with a tiny baby at home and then the routine was broken. I made an appointment the day I got my second shot though. I’m fighting serious working mom guilt, though, where I feel like every free second that I’m not with my daughter is wasted because I get so little time with her especially since she might be my only baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924722 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:51:00 +0000 LemonJack 2924722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: I’ve never heard of unicorn space, but I like the concept. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924721 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:50:40 +0000 LemonJack 2924721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m slowly carving out more time for myself. I’m getting my hair colored/cut every couple of months (used to be once a year), and trying to be better about allowing a little time to myself. That’s getting easier now that my youngest is almost 2 (we were on the same Due Date Board!), but I’m right there with you about feeling exhausted and really nervous/apprehensive going into fall. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924720 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:47:19 +0000 Corduroy 2924720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I struggled with this for a long time but after reading Eve Rodsky's book Fair Play I decided to try to find my Unicorn Space. She describes unicorn space as finding the magic and joy of you and sharing it with the world. Sounds like a tall order, right? (If you just mean finding time for a latte please ignore my enthusiastic over-answer.) Looks like she's coming out with a whole book on the topic later this year. </p> <p>I was totally stumped on what my thing would be so decided to try a few things while I tried to find my 'unicorn space'. One thing I tried was enrolling in a community rec class tap dancing class shortly before the pandemic. Timing was convenient and the class was around the corner. I have no dancing background and no big dreams of performing so I didn't think this would be my unicorn space at all but it's filling that need for me now.</p> <p>I've latched on to tap dancing because I literally can't think about anything else when I'm practicing which is really good for me when my anxiety flares up. I can also turn to it pretty much anywhere when I'm stuck waiting somewhere (in my regular shoes). I've been able to continue with zoom classes, YouTube, and now in person with masks.</p> <p>I don't know if this will be 'my thing' for the long term but it has helped me carve out more space for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-makes-you-feel-human-these-days#post-2924718 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 15:13:24 +0000 karenbme 2924718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all, as we enter fall and with Covid surge 4 in full effect, I’m just wondering what (if anything) other people are doing for themselves these days. I am fully burnt out, as I’m sure many of you are as well, and seriously mourning the loss of freedom/brain space associated with becoming a first time mom and enduring a 2 year pandemic at the same time. So I’m curious—if you’re able to find time for yourself, how do you use it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923235 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:55:26 +0000 jennlin821 2923235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: I'm glad you are willing to try B6 and exercise, however you said that its affecting your life in significant ways - so I'm worried that you'll put off going to the doctor.<br /> Taking antidepressants takes time, because it needs to build up in your system, so depending on when you start taking them in your cycle it can take 6-8 weeks to get fully up and running. Plus time for you to get a doctor appointment. </p> <p>Its easy to feel brushed off or have your symptomps dimished by a </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923220 Tue, 06 Apr 2021 19:35:54 +0000 Lowell 2923220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This happens to me too but includes the week before my period too. Low dose Zoloft (I break a 25mg tablet in two) just during these 10ish days does the trick for me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923210 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 23:04:40 +0000 meadow 2923210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: @foodiebee: my dr recommended 1000IU of D3 at dinner time and 50-100mg of B6 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923207 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 20:10:36 +0000 karenbme 2923207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks, ladies. Glad to know I’m not the only one. </p> <p>@meadow: I actually have b6 in my cupboard because I took it for morning sickness and will try adding it back. I’m taking a postnatal and a separate calcium supplement that together have 150% DV of vitamin D, so I hope I’m covered there.</p> <p>@Jessiemuller88: I know I need to get back to exercise, I just don’t know when to fit it in my day. Weekdays are so hectic and I don’t sit down until usually right around 9, which is not the ideal time to work out.</p> <p>@jennlin821: Thank you for sharing. I definitely see myself in your comment. My anxiety is more focused on keeping my family safe. I should probably call my doctor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923202 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 15:37:48 +0000 foodiebee 2923202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: I'm going to try this! I noticed post having my DS that I get anxious and worked up easier leading up to my period, and I was never like that before. I noticed the pattern but didn't know what to do about it. It doesn't sound as debilitating as OP, but I have noticed it and am hoping this can help ease it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923199 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 12:08:04 +0000 jennlin821 2923199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That sounds likes PMDD to me. I go through something similar - the week before my period is terrible for my mental health. Some days I would sit at my desk at work with " I can't do this" repeating over and over in my head. I couldn't function at work or at home. My whole life was overwhelming even if there wasn't something going on. </p> <p>I realized that it wasn't normal and that is was greatly affecting my daily life; so talked to my primary care doctor about it, and she said that for PMDD she recommends very low level anti-depressants. Some you take only that week, and some you take every day.<br /> I'm on 25mg of Sertraline every day, and it has made a HUGE difference. You really don't know how bad you are feeling until you are out of the 'fog'. </p> <p>PMDD is a real diagnosable disorder and you recognize that your life is being affected. Make an appointment with your primary care or gyno, and tell them what is going on. </p> <p>Much love. Mental health is a very hard thing to recognize and even harder to talk about. There is no shame in needing medicine to regulate your hormones - no one shames a thyroid patient for needing to take daily meds to regulate their hormones! </p> <p>If you are having trouble talking about this, come back and we can come up with a script for you to use to talk to your doctor. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923188 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:36:18 +0000 ilovepie 2923188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've noticed more anxiety the week before my period. CBD oil helps take the edge off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923186 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:12:56 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2923186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: the same thing happened to me after the birth of my twins in December 2019. Mine isn’t necessarily debilitating, but I am very anxious when I’m on my period now. I haven’t asked my doctor about it yet, but I have found that making sure I exercise and meditating when I’m feeling especially anxious seems to help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923185 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 04:14:16 +0000 meadow 2923185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine wasn't debilitating.....but did experience a noticable increase in anxiety. I told my OB &amp; she suggested b6 &amp; vit d supplements. </p> <p>I take them daily &amp; oh my gosh they make a huge difference w anxiety &amp; mom rage! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-during-your-period#post-2923182 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 20:56:43 +0000 karenbme 2923182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi, my daughter was born in October 2019 and my period came back in December 2020. Since then I’ve had debilitating anxiety with every cycle. I can’t take hormonal birth control for a number of reasons, so that’s out for me as an option. Everything that is causing problems is stuff that I’m anxious about anyways (because pandemic parenting, etc.) but for a week every month it gets so bad that it’s disrupting my life in serious ways. I still hope it will go away with time, but I don’t know if anyone else has been in this situation and what their outcomes were. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/research-study-on-mental-health-in-infertility#post-2922955 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:33:47 +0000 sschuette 2922955@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi there HelloBee followers! My name is Stephanie and I am a graduate student at Duke University. I am conducting a study to better understand factors that impact mental heath during infertility for my dissertation. Please see information below and follow the link if you are interested. Many thanks.</p> <p>Researchers at Duke University is interested in understanding factors that contribute to stress among women experiencing infertility. The following survey will be used to design interventions to help women better manage the stress and uncertainty that can arise during infertility. If you are interested, please follow the link below to open the survey. You do not need to be currently seeking treatment for infertility to be eligible. The initial survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and there will be a 5 min follow-up survey. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Please feel free to share the link below on other platforms relevant to infertility or with other women who you know are experiencing infertility.<br /> We so appreciate your participation! </p> <p><a href="https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Nx7F4rg9Daw3gq" rel="nofollow">https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Nx7F4rg9Daw3gq</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-take-care-of-yourself-right-now#post-2922621 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 11:12:00 +0000 808love 2922621@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I trade Saturday hours with DH. I must be out of the house (or locked into room) until noon. He is out noon until 430.<br /> I didn’t know what to do with myself at first but to have a luxury of routine time to fritter away is reassuring. . I try to make plans, catch up with errands and do miscellaneous concentration things then.. DD knows what to expect. I try to make a safe play date for her on Sundays sometimes. And yes to bubble baths and tea. Liquid, sleep, and scents. The simple sensory things. DD’s thing is stuffed animals. Lots of them.</p> <p>Oh and I used to do the drive thing. I’d get in the car with DD and she would say where are we going? And I would say Don’t ask me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-take-care-of-yourself-right-now#post-2922619 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 10:59:38 +0000 LadyDi 2922619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thursday evenings are my "me time." DH knows that from 9-10:30 on those nights I am out of commission. I take a super long, hot bubble bath, drink half a bottle of wine, read a book, and get a little tipsy. I really look forward to it and it helps be re-charge to go into the weekend. </p> <p>@foodiebee: I get "touched out" sooo easily. I really thought I was a physically affectionate person until I had children. It makes me feel bad sometimes but I can't be touched all day long! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-take-care-of-yourself-right-now#post-2922571 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:10:26 +0000 foodiebee 2922571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: I sooo feel this. I second putting the kiddo in the car and going for a drive. I get myself a coffee and put on some music and just let myself not be touched (anyone else so tired of their kid touching them?). Also just hearing something other than "mama mama mama mama" is nice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-take-care-of-yourself-right-now#post-2922570 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:05:44 +0000 graceandjoy 2922570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm notoriously bad at self care even before the pandemic. Working full time with 3 kids through this pandemic had definitely burnt me out to the ground, except there's no choice but to keep going. I feel you, mama! </p> <p>The tiny thing I do is that I discovered nail stickers. I was never good at painting my nails, never had time to get my nails done (or the budget for it really). So to take 10 minutes once every few weeks to do my nails lifts mood a lot! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-take-care-of-yourself-right-now#post-2922543 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:27:28 +0000 lindseykaye 2922543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: This is amazingly helpful - thank you for sharing this perspective! I think the part about acknowledging in the moment when you are taking this time is going to make it a lot more meaningful for me, no matter how small or average that time may “feel” these days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-take-care-of-yourself-right-now#post-2922534 Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:34:06 +0000 winter_wonder 2922534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If it's 20 degrees or warmer I take a 45-60 minute walk. It's so, so, so good for my mental health! Ive definitely been more on edge lately bc I've been skipping it due to the crazy below zero temps. </p> <p>My commute also kind of feels like my only "me time" right now. I try to enjoy an audio book and zone out a bit. </p> <p>I'm super excited for warmer weather and gardening too!! </p>