How not to go crazy

At this given time in my life, my baby is the biggest thing in my existence. He's the core of my being and the reason why I wake up at 6.30am every morning (I know its not that early, but for an avid sleeplover, with a facebook group to boot, this is a big deal).
However I have finally come to realise how important it is to learn to actively prevent yourself from going crazy. Crazy meaning, from staying at home all day with no actual speaking adult to converse with, crazy from forgetting to eat anything all day then gulping down half the contents of your fridge upon realisation, crazy from not remembering why I have a shoe and a screwdriver in my hands, and crazy from constantly questioning what I'm doing and whether it has any value or meaning.
The hardest thing was to see what was happening and deciding to do something about it. I was quietly fighting a one sided battle-you never win because there's no enemy, just a lost cause. It can be tough to get yoursef out of a mindset where you think you've been abandoned, or not worth doing anything trivial yet positive for.
Every action was with purpose and automatic-clothes must be washed, baby must be fed, flat must be cleaned, I must be cheerful. Nothing wrong with that but the joy of just reading a chapter of a book you love, baking cupcakes because you happened to have all the ingredients at hand, painting your toenails and hanging up a photo was almost lost.
Every effort must be made to retain some sort of your previous life, that's what I learned. No matter how tough it seems, or you can't be bothered, you're worried about asking someone for help, or are too proud for help, you can't be making excuses to yourself. Update that Facebook status, download that new song you heard, cut your own fringe and call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while.
Having resources is always helpful, but not everyone is as lucky as I am, where there's a swimming pool at my disposal, and the money to pay for a pretty damn good Pilates class twice a week. Caring sisters in law who drop by once in a while and pick up the baby, helpful ex-colleagues, and a most involved and understanding parents. Not bragging, just grateful. And ofcourse a husband who's supportive is a must! Making friends is refreshing and stimulating. And the occasional coffee and a doughnut is like a secret weapon we all need up our sleeves.

So, here's my way of surviving motherhood. It does feel like a survival from time time, but a huge burst of joy most of the time.