Totally stressed out

[Sabine]

For the first time in my life I am out of work (was made redundant in September) I was really looking forward to the idea of being at home full time and being able to organise the day as I please. As it turns out I have rarely ever felt so stressed out before. I virtually do not rest from the minute I get up. I have my meals (if you can call them that) while I am running around doing things and I usually do at least two or three thing at the same time. Yet there never seems to be an end to it, the sort of sense that you finished a job.
Just before Christmas I even became sick and according to my dentist it was stress related. As I type I am resisting the urge to hoover the room as it is 11 pm.
I don't understand why I am not able to organize the day in such a way that I feel I have achieved something and can take a rest. When I used to work (although it was part time) I still somehow managed the household. I should be having loads of time looking after myself but in reality I seem to have less than before. I don't quite understand it.

 

[Stanza]

It's definitely all in your mindset.

What you need to do is sit back and take some full deep breaths, and calm your mind.

It is amazing how life changes when you learn to calm your mind. Life can be chaotic and stressful, or it can be easy going and enjoyable.

This should be the number one thing you work on (in my opinion)

As far as organization goes, what I do is write down everything that I need to get done.
Then I figure out what is most important and what needs to be finished when and proceed by making myself a little schedule.

Then you start to develop a routine and you can just do what needs to be done and not even think about the other stuff until you are doing it.

Work on being in the present moment and taking things One Thing At A Time.

Hope this helps!

P.S. Relaaaaaax everything is OK:hug:

 

[BethM]

I second the idea of making a list for yourself of the things that need to be done, or that you want to do. I find that when I have a lot of errands or chores to do, I am less stressed if they're all on a list that I can check off. Once things are on the list, I find it easier to prioritize, and decide what HAS to be done and what can wait another day or week to do.

If you need even more structure than that, you could go as far as make an actual schedule. For example, tell yourself (or write down) that you'll hoover on Tuesdays (or whatever day). Then, if it's Monday and you look around feeling like you need to do it, remind yourself that it's on the schedule for Tuesday, and you won't have to worry about it until then.
(I could totally go clean the rabbit room right now, but I've got that on my schedule for Sunday afternoon. Which means I can relax for the time being.)


I'm a list-maker and scheduler, myself. Even though I don't always stick to it absolutely, having things written down helps me not to stress about the chores and errands that need doing.

:hug:

 

[hartleybun]

:hug: i couldnt agree more with the other posts! i work from home and still look at running the home as work. if that makes sense! one of those mornings - washing machine is playing up (had it 5 years so i think its self destruct chip is activating)

 

[Sabine]

I totally agree that writing things down and having a schedule would help immensely. The only problem is that I have to plan a lot of things around the weather. As it rains half of the time I can't even set a particular time for cleaning out the hutches but have to do it when I can. Also my 2 year old has absolutely no schedule. I can never predict when I get time for myself as she has become very irregular with her daytime sleep. It is trying to get something done expecting to be interrupted any minute that I find really stressful.

 

[hartleybun]

mine are teens - trust me it does get better! though i do remember those early years! at the time i wondered how i was going to cope. i did somehow! and you will too:hug:

 

[Sabine]

hartleybun wrote:

:hug: i couldnt agree more with the other posts! i work from home and still look at running the home as work. if that makes sense! one of those mornings - washing machine is playing up (had it 5 years so i think its self destruct chip is activating)

Oh and did I mention that the thought of the washing machine breaking down gives me anxiety attacks:nerves1