I reluctantly gave up my therapies in 2012 after 18 years in business. My life had become hugely stressful going through a divorce and a family breakdown. I was done. Exhausted. And broken. I just couldn’t keep going. As I’m ace at masking, people didn’t know how ill I had become. I would put a huge amount of effort into any interactions I made, keeping a smile on my face and chatting away as normal. When I went home I would have to go to my bed and would fall into a deep sleep. I had to work round my children as well, keeping as alert as I could for them. This continued for years until eventually I realised I had chronic fatigue syndrome. Once I knew this I could investigate strategies to put in place to help me slowly recover.

The strategies I put in place were

• Implementing strong boundaries. I realise I cant cope with drama, bitching and gossiping so I keep myself to myself. My circle is small and the people I spend time with are precious.
• Taking supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, golden flax seed oil, probiotics.
• Drinking at least two litres of water every day.
• Eating healthily – cutting out sugar.
• Strict with my working hours. I don’t work outside my allocated hours – there’s always the temptation to work more and more especially in these challenging times, but it’s a fool’s game and only brings burn out and resentment.
• Giving up false responsibility. I am only responsible for my own happiness. I can offer support and kindness to people without entering into their own personal chaos.
• Making time for myself and doing things I enjoy.

Because my life is much quieter now, I can hear my own needs much clearer, which means my life is more balanced and healthy.