I suffer from self-neglect. I have not been taking care of myself. The term self-neglect may sound a little extreme, but my lack of self-care over the past year (or three) has left me feeling like I’m stuck in a deep, dark hole. And it’s time to get out.

I suffer from self-neglect

Self-neglect

‘I suffer from self-neglect’ is quite a bold statement to make, I know. I realise that extreme self-neglect is a very complex behavioural condition (if you know anyone suffering from this, please get them help), but my lack self-care has gone past the point of merely letting myself go.

I’m sad

Every day. Almost every moment of every day. I can’t really pinpoint exactly what causes this feeling of overwhelming sadness. I think all the disappointments, let-downs and failures of the past couple of years are starting to take their toll. It overshadows all the good in my life. And I have so much good that I praise the Lord for everyday. I’ve decided to get professional help. I want to stop dwelling on the past and I want to feel positive about the future again. Positive about myself. It’s going to take a lot of work, and perhaps facing demons that I’m not quite ready for, but I’m going to do it. I’m excited.

I need to learn how to set boundaries. I need to learn how to say no.

This is something I struggle with. It goes against my nature to not be available at everyone’s beck and call. I really need to learn how to say no. Not always; but enough to give myself a break. My soul is tired.

I’m not quite ready to share much more about my mental health right now, but I can tell you that it’s not just my mind and soul that’s been neglected…

I’ve ‘let go’ to the point of almost not caring.

That has to change. I have to change.

I am physically in the worst shape of my life. I have never before felt this weak, tired and old. I am also the biggest that I have ever been. This is not a weight loss post – you’ve probably seen my extreme ups and downs over the years. This is about my health. I need to stop eating my feelings. I need to stop eating to the point of feeling sick. I know how to lose weight. I know what my body likes and what it doesn’t. It’s the mind (and the soul) that’s the problem. I’ve decided to kick start (read kick my arse) by trying a 10 day detox. Today is day 1… wish me luck! I’ll report back after the 10 days.

I also need to start moving again. It’s sad to think that I could do a 10km fun run a few years ago and now I struggle with a flight of stairs. How did I get here? Why did I do this to myself?! I need to fix it. My life is literally at stake. We have a history of heart disease and diabetes in the family and I am not giving myself a fighting chance, am I?

A few months ago I did a free trial of a fitness app. Have you tried fitness apps? I exercise (when I do) at home. I hate the gym. I’ve tried many fitness apps, but most have been downloaded just to be deleted a few weeks later. I enjoyed Aaptiv though. I’ll tell you about this app in another post, but I really think it’s going to help me get moving again. Another reason I want to subscribe to Aaptiv is the meditation sessions. I am very new to meditation and the guided sessions during the trial was really awesome. I’d pay for this app even if it was just for meditation.

It’s not just my relationship with food and exercise that needs to change.

Small steps

I’ve even stopped doing the little things that can make a big difference to my health and and the way I feel about myself.

I’ve become quite ‘preachy’ when it comes to taking supplements after my bout with hair loss. Then why have I stopped taking them? I need to fix this.

If you’ve been here since the beginning, you know that Pretty Please Charlie started out as a beauty blog. I love beauty products and cosmetics. I love at home facials, doing my nails; even taking off my make-up after a long day is such a pleasure. It used to be at least. Little rituals that used to bring me such joy has turned into work. Five layers of nail polish to hide the chipped pedi is not on. Not anymore. I’m going to try harder.

I’m not even really sure what I’m trying to say with this post. Perhaps I’m putting it out there as a reminder to myself that I need to change. Perhaps you needed to hear that you are not alone. Please know that I’m here if you want to chat. Your are welcome to comment below or send me a mail.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for being here.

xoxo

I am basically allergic to everything that can’t kill you… dust, feathers, grass, cats… you name it. My dust mite allergy was particularly bad when I was a child. My poor mom worked her butt off as she was constantly vacuuming, dusting and washing bedding.

How to allergy proof your bedroom

Do you wake up in the morning sneezing and wheezing? You might be suffering from a dust mite allergy.

Dust mite allergy: How to allergy proof your bedroom

Microscopic dust mites are the primary cause of night-time allergies and even asthma. These critters thrive in your bed and pillows, where they feast off your dead skin flakes and pet dander.

That thought alone is enough to give you sleepless nights. If your dust mite allergy is keeping you from a good night’s sleep, the following tips will help you create an allergen-free environment.

Wash your bedding regularly
Your bedding needs to be washed often and preferably on a hot cycle. Sufferers of serious dust mite allergies need to wash their pillows, duvets and blankets regularly as well.
Vacuum frequently
Rugs, carpets and mattresses need to be vacuumed often as they are breeding grounds for dust mites. My mom vacuumed my bedroom every single day. It was such a hassle for her (love you mom!), but it made such a difference to the severity of my allergy symptoms..
Curtains are a no-no
Heavy (especially dry-clean-only) curtains are a haven for dust mites. If you need curtains in your bedroom, opt for light weight curtains that can be washed regularly. Or better yet, blinds that can be wiped down.
Declutter your bedroom
It’s best to keep knick-knacks to a minimum as clutter only gathers dust.
Make your bedroom a pet-free zone
This is a tip that I personally don’t follow as our fur kids sleep in our room. If your allergies are very serious though, you may want to consider keeping your pets out of your bedroom. Dust mites feed off pet dander (gross I know!) and sharing your bed with your pet can significantly exacerbate symptoms.
Protect your bed
The best defence against dust mite colonies from building up in your bed, is using quality mattress and pillow protectors. Covering your mattress with a dust-mite-proof mattress protector and encasing all pillows with dust-mite-proof pillow protectors is the ideal way to keep your bed clean and allergies at bay. We’re currently using Protect-A-Bed mattress and pillow protectors and we no longer wake up with stuffy noses every morning.

I hope these tips (thanks Protect-A-Bed!) help you get a good night’s rest.

xoxo

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