Stress Awareness Week with Over 40 and Mum to One

I’m Mary, a family lifestyle and travel blogger who is turning 50 this month (12th).
Over 40 and a Mum to One has been running for 5 years and shares the adventures I have with my 8 year old son.  Enjoying life and having fun is our motto.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Do you suffer with stress frequently or occasionally?

I’m perimenopausal and I definitely find life in general more stressful for a week every month.  Anything going wrong with technology or within the family at that point will send me into floods of tears whereas at other times in the month I’m far more rational and able to cope with stressful situations more easily.

What sort of things cause you stress? 

Money is always a stress point. I’m virtually a single parent so trying to be master of all roles can lead to late nights and sleepless nights.

Does anything in particular make stress worse for you?

Lack of support from my husband in general and a lack of empathy for the issues that perimenopause is causing.  For me not being in control is stressful.  I’m not used to it and I don’t like it.

Does stress have an impact on your physical health?

Yes, it causes me not to be able to sleep and causes issues with my stomach.

What do you do to alleviate stress?

Read, turn the laptop off, get outside, especially with my son, he’s a great tonic for all ills.

Do you think more needs to be done to raise awareness of what causes stress and the impact it has on us and those around us? If yes, what would you do or like to see done?

I think society as a whole would need to change to be honest.  We expect everything instantly.  Children have so much more these days and relaxing isn’t as high a priority as it should be.  There’s no such thing as switching off, there should be.  Everyone deserves and needs down time.

Do you have any tips for anyone dealing with stress?

Speaking purely as someone on the cusp of the menopause I would try to be kinder to yourself and understand that you aren’t always in control of situations and emotions.  Think before taking on too much, make sure you take some time out and make that a regular thing.