A bit o/t - managing stress

wannabee_in_credit

Hi everyone

Just as I was typing a reply to somone I realised I'm going on and on about how much stress I'm under at the moment. I know that it's a bit off topic but I wondered if anyone had any tips for stress management that they would share.
My situation at the moment is tough at work and at home so I'm getting very little breathing room in terms of time to myself to relax.
I have noticed that the more stressed I am, the more money I spend 'treating myself' here and there, and my mse ways are starting to slip a bit and I can see bits of the old me returning, which I desperately don't want to happen. I've been getting takeaways, popping round the shops etc.
Any advice anyone? I am in the process of trying to get a new job and trying to sort the situation at home, but unfortunately neither thing is a quick fix.

secretshopper75

What else do you enjoy doing/find relaxing? gardening is good but not very easy when you're at work all day and it's dark by 5pm...do you read? Listen to music? If you feel the need to go out and mooch around the shops leave your card at home and only take £10 just in case, although when I was fed up and down shopping made me worse as I just saw everyone out buying things that I couldn't...

Big hugs, it's not easy is trying to balance work/home/debts and everything else that we have to deal with x

camuk81

Wanabee, I was just reading your other thread an totting up takeaways, thing I'm in the same point.

As regards stress every Wednesday I teach kids martial arts. I haven't been able to train for 5 months due to work and illness but that feeling last night when I had these 9 adorable faces smiling back made my heart sing.

Try getting out for a bit everyday and enjoy the world. This last week we've been swimming and due to being home earlier I've taken the dogs out with some music. I always find it good to have a song that picks you up as well and keep playing it on loop.

At the minute it seems to example change the way you kiss me! But its been anything and everything and when I was unemployed I hit a real low.

It does get better. Bug hug. You will get there and remember we are all here for you

determined_new_ms

Hi wannabe the only advice I can offer is to go a little easy on yourself while you're going through a lot of stress. Build little treats into your budget to allow for a little slack. Can you grab one of those takeaway bags from the supermarket (even better if its on offer!) and put it in the fridge/freezer for when you want to have one? Try to get qt with oh as I find that lightens the mood & is fun & is free! Treat yourself to a luxurious bubble bath & a glass of wine after a hard day at work & go easy on the targets you set for yourself. If your ma or best friend was having a hard time you would want to look after them, so you need to do the same for yourself. Hope things ease up soon x

wannabee_in_credit

Thanks everyone.
I am just so pleased with how well I've done so far on moneysaving and budgeting that I'm almost scared of slipping back into my old ways. I feel a bit like I've 'lost interest' in a lot of things at the moment, but in reality I'm just very tired and run down.
I am meeting a friend for lunch today which I am really looking forward to, and shouldn't be too expensive, but I'm going to leave my card behind so I can only spend what I have in my purse.
And you're right dnms I just need to ride it while it's bad, and not be too hard on myself, then make the most of it when it's good.
I really want to get some exercise back into my life - might look at the couch to 5k app for my phone. Then I can combine a bit of exercise with listening to music.

sickasachip13

Hi WIC

I've been there with stress, it's good that you're recognising it and thinking about it before it gets to far down the line to manage on your own.

Anyhow, like the others, I'd say diversion is your friend - getting out in the fresh air, exercise, new music. Look at Soundcloud, there are all sorts of new mixes etc on there and it's fun to play with too. Also, lots to download for free.

I also have Spotify, you get a certain amount free but my treat to myself is that I have the £4.99 pm package and I have unlimited listening - great if you spend a fair bit of time in front of computers or can run it through your pc into your home. I love faffing around on there, making playlists etc.

Have you thought about meditation? Most buddhist centres do meditation / well-being sessions for free - you don't have to subscribe to the religion at all and can just enjoy the peace and calm. You can also get free downloads of meditation music online - I had three 45 min ones for a long time and, when I was stressed, I'd take myself off, plug myself in and zone out.

Set yourself a goal to work towards with the running maybe? Find a 5 or 10k to enter?

Also, give yourself a break, things sound stressful and it's natural that you are going to be affected by them (if you weren't it would probably be more of a cause for worry!)

SAAC x

BlushingRose

I'd love to be able to help, but my stress levels have been through the roof recently.
However, i was treated to a pub quiz last night be a friends, that helped a lot at the time, just getting away and doing something different (no, we didn't win)

artyfartyem

I know this is really simple, but when I have felt really down (especially late at night) I find it really helpful to take the dog for a walk with my OH and have a good vent about everything. When I get home I usually feel a bit better and sleep well. I also find decorating the house (with paint I already have obviously!) really good, because I get to see some RESULTS, which I don't get to see any on my DMP very quickly!

Sonic_The_Hedgehog

Wow, thanks for posting. I thought I knew stress and this subtle but destructive thing I'm experiencing is stress. Lost energy and enthusiasm. Same as you, work, neighbours, money, relationships, still doing ok. Looking forward to little things and trying to be honest with myself and OH. Also using toys I spent money on. It can be helpful if creative thinking, positivity is out there. I just need energy and drive to get back to yoga and cycling, and that new job search. Keep us posted on how ya get on.

camuk81

Wannabee, I think it's also the time if year as well.

I work in a building area that focus on using sunlight and there are number of studies that prove that sunlight brings depression, lack of concentration, lower immune levels and on and on.

I'm not advocate of it but was half thinking of cheating and getting sunbed time as each night I come and just want to sleep! Think I might have to build in a guilty pleasure for my own sanity as I think I can confess to all of the above

sickasachip13

Hi,

On the light levels - despite my scepticism, I bought a Lumie light a few years back, my good grief, it has made a remarkable difference. I also, in my last job, replaced my spotlight/reading light bulb with a daylight bulb which also really helped.

My urge to gorge myself on fatty foods and retreat to a cave for three months has really subsided ;-)

SAAC