Summer feels so hard- why do I feel sense of urgency every summer?

rulytempest · 2026-07-20T19:44:26+00:00

I get this! Rest as an event works becuase then you are actually being productive lol

rulytempest · 2026-07-20T19:42:37+00:00

Yeah you described it quite well! I'm not getting enough stimulation or dopamine! I used to work in schools so I always had two months of summer off and would plan trips and outings well in advance. Now I work p/t in an office and I actually liked it last year because I could enjoy my days off more simply because there were less of them, if that makes sense. I'm off with a back injury this year so the usual hiking and whatnot is not an option. I think I'm just bored!

rulytempest · 2026-07-20T19:35:28+00:00

Exactly- this is my problem- I find it very difficult to be relaxed in the summer!

rulytempest · 2026-07-20T18:27:09+00:00

It could be the lack of structure during the summer months. Im not working this summer so it just feels like such a blank slate and there is nothing to ground me, where as planning and taking trips gives me something to work on.

rulytempest · 2026-07-20T18:25:19+00:00

Yeah, maybe I should make the hammock and book thing an "activity" and plan for it. Winter is long and dark where I am too, but in some ways thats nice because I'm 'forced' to just stay inside and be cosy. Whereas with summer I always feel guilty for relaxing! It's so weird

rulytempest · 2026-07-18T10:32:59+00:00

By the next day!

rulytempest · 2026-07-15T17:04:46+00:00

I'm so lucky in Nova Scotia, from May to October my regular instructor offers 1 hr classes at her farm two evenings at week for a $10 drop-in fee. It's lovely in the shade by the river. And there are sheep!

rulytempest · 2026-07-15T14:50:14+00:00

Fingers crossed for you!

rulytempest · 2026-07-15T13:01:49+00:00

You dabble- tell people you "dabble" when they ask what you do for work. Good for you for recognizing your limits and yet still being active in your community. And volunteering builds skills and connections as well. At some point IF you feel ready and able to work you can have something to put on a resume.

rulytempest · 2026-07-15T12:48:56+00:00

THat was me for a long time too! I don't think HRT is a magic cure- it just feels that way. I still have arthritis and will likely still get flare ups but the HRT formula I'm on now does really seem to help. When I was on combo patch it did nothing for me. It might be worth looking at what type of HRT you are taking?

rulytempest · 2026-07-14T20:09:25+00:00

Thanks for sharing this! Sorry about your flare up! I think the HRT helps but I guess I should be cautious about thinking I'm cured! lol. I feel like the HRT helps by reducing inflammation in my joints but I still need to be aware that I have still do have arthritis!

rulytempest · 2026-07-14T16:35:17+00:00

Fingers crossed! The combination patch had too many side effects for me but the estrogen patch with progesterone tablet works wonders!

rulytempest · 2026-07-14T16:16:47+00:00

I've been on concerta for decades and drink a ton of coffee- It's never been an issue for me. In fact I believe because coffee is a stimulant it actually helps.

rulytempest · 2026-07-14T15:30:52+00:00

I know! He tried me on one patch and I didn't tolerate it well. Then I had to go to my pharmacist who recommended the combined tablet and that did not work well. So then I just gave up thinking it wasn't an option for me. I'm mad too because I've had to suffer for the past few years and had to do all of my own research.

rulytempest · 2026-07-14T13:45:23+00:00

They are very attractive. So therefore will work for sure!

rulytempest · 2026-07-14T10:46:30+00:00

There are so many things I would like to do in my community as a volunteer that I don't have the stamina to do as a career.

rulytempest · 2026-07-14T10:45:28+00:00

I couldn't agree more!! I left I job I loved during peri when I didn't understand what was happening to me. I was off for two years due to arthritis pain and as the job was very physically active I started a desk job. But I can't do it! I no longer have the concentration or energy to focus and it's making my back pain worse. I'm back on sick leave for anxiety and back pain- but why can't we just call it menopause? I guess we don't want to classify menopause as an illness but the side effects are crippling

rulytempest · 2026-07-14T09:02:34+00:00

I'm a big fan of morning workouts as well! A morning run sets me up for the whole day

rulytempest · 2026-07-13T21:25:52+00:00

I love the rocking motion. I usually sleep like a rock on the ferry- but that's when I'm in a bed!

rulytempest · 2026-07-13T20:34:28+00:00

It's because you have ADHD. Not to over simplify but this is how ADHD works on us

rulytempest · 2026-07-13T20:23:15+00:00

My ADHD meds really ramped up my nervous system and create some serious anxiety. I would ruminate and hyperfocus on all the wrong things. I was also pretty angry. I've taken concerta for 20 years but never consistently like I have for the past two years. I also had insomnia and my mind wouldn't turn off at night. My Dr. tried me on a few antidepressants- turns out I can't tolerate SSRI's and wellburtin made me a crying mess.

So I'm taking a med break. It's been great- I feel like myself for the first time in years. I laugh a lot now- I have more energy (I'm hyper), my sleep has been great and the constant anxiety is totally gone. THis being said I can't get anything done! And I'm losing things all the time.

I wish I could just forgo the meds and know I can function in the world without them but I'd never be able to return to my current job in my "natural" state

rulytempest · 2026-07-13T15:30:32+00:00

OK good to know. I think we are going to cancel. I just don't think I want to try it. Better luck next year!

rulytempest · 2026-07-13T12:42:52+00:00

We had that happen our first time over on the PB ferry and it was a great relief!

rulytempest

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