Pregnancy is a fantastic period in a woman’s life. I’m currently amazed by the beauty and patience the first four months of pregnancy have taught me. The reality is though, that if you are working mama-to-be (like moi) — you are bound to experience emotions that can sometimes lead you to feeling helpless and overwhelmed. I’m keeping it real. I love pregnancy, but you can’t help but ponder all the change that is about to come your way.
I think I share some experiences similar to most women. I am employed full-time, which in the United States, generally constitutes a 40 hour work week. My reality looks more like a 50-60 hour work week. Pre-pregnancy this was a breeze. I continue to love what I do for a living and can’t really see myself separating myself from my work life, however; being pregnant has introduced a new perspective. The notion that perhaps I have to slow things down a bit for the sake of my health and that of my little that’s growing inside me.
This week was particularly challenging, I was faced with never ending deadlines, tasks, long work hours all while keeping up with my pregnancy symptoms. I have been lucky thus far, in that my symptoms have been rather easy to deal with. Other than my body growing and sustaining a new life I don’t have any qualms or complaints. Yes, sleep may not be as easy as it once was, but I still log in my zzz’s. My appetite may not be as booming but I manage to eat small meals every 2-3 hours to keep baby happy and healthy. This week I spent a lot of time thinking of what may be to come, it robbed me hours of sleep along with having an off night where I woke up at midnight and realized I just needed to puke. No fun! Even with this all I worked 50+ hours a week. But most importantly I learned some key lessons.
- Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when you’ve had too much. Look out for emotional cues that may signal feelings of defeat. For me this was knowing that I am already hyper-sensitive, but I don’t cry. Having felt that earlier this week, was the first signal that things were off.
- Find someone to talk to. I recommend avoiding co-workers because this can only damper their day. Your support partner, friend or family member is a much better option. My husband did a phenomenal job of simply listening to me and my concerns this week and I asked for his feedback. While I only applied little of what he recommended, his tips helped me navigate through the rest of the week in a positive manner.
- Dress up. You deserve it! It makes me feel so good to do this. Whether it’s applying a full face of make up or simply dressing up, it transforms your attitude and can give you that extra umph to keep on going.
- Assess what really needs to be accomplished. If it’s work, set deadlines. There will be some days where you can only work 8 hours. Knowing when to stop can give you the strength to push through the following days. If this is at home, take the help your partner offers. I’m really selective when it comes to household chores and cooking. This week I learned that it’s okay to take a step back and let your partner help. Things may not come out exactly as you desire, but taking that time for yourself can help you recharge and allow you to engage in better quality time later.
- Read. Pray. Or Meditate. Do something for yourself that does not involve leaving your home or looking at a screen. Don’t get me wrong I’m a reality TV queen and love to watch a great movie or show with the hubs. But reading enriches you mind, praying enriches your soul. And somehow you’ll find that it is possible to disconnect from your everyday routine.
I started this blog with the intention of creating a community. Somewhere where my life-experiences may help other ladies learn from my journey. If you have any comments or tips to share, please do so below! I’m sure I can learn a thing or two from my fellow gal pals.
xo,
The Sun Queen