Anyone else start OS completely burnt out?

FlubM

Hi all

I have been on gardening leave for three weeks now while my redundancy process runs its course and had been away on holiday for the two weeks previous to that. I did hope for a short break before getting back into the world of work so that I could get the house, admin etc. sorted out but thought I would be feeling a bit more lively by now. It's not as if I have gone overboard with the chores yet (in fact, I have barely started!).

I am beginning to realise that I have sunk to an even lower ebb than I first thought and might need a longer break than I had first planned (so the OS approach will be even more needed).

I wondered whether there was anyone else on here who started their OS journey similalry exhausted and, if there is, whether you have any tips? I certainly need someone to give me hope that I won't always feel like this.

nimbo

I think I am always this exhausted - but I do have better days. (I have two part time jobs, and am about to start my third year at university - I actually can't remember the last time I found the time to shave my legs, and am gutted that I had to cancel my hair appt this week, as I've not had it done since April)...

I try to set myself targets - so today I need to do my ironing. I'll then set another - I try no to think of all I have to do, or I just end up wallowing in self pity, and exhaustion as it seems to be too big a task...

I have to work tonight, and then again at 5.30 tomorrow morning - so I think that may be affecting my mood... hahaha

being made redundant takes a lot out of you - I was down for a while after it...

set a small task, and think of another when it has been completed... When you are feeling less delicate you can face the whole picture. (I find sorting socks is at least a start, and can be done while eastenders is on, if you are desperate)...

nimbo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4379971

just read the first post in this thread - and feel it my be more my pace than the flylady thread - it definitely made me chuckle.

-taff

depends on why you're exhausted really. If it's not enough sleep and doing too much, stop doing so much and sleep properly [ the amount you need every night and wake up early every day] because staying up late and getting up late will just make you more tired.

You might be a bit down about not having a job, and the only remedy i've found for feeling like that [down that is, not not having a job, I'd quite happily not have a job because I can always find lots to do] is to do something because then, you haven't got time to think and you're involved in doing something positive. Make a cake, read a book, dig the lawn, do something physical or mental and you become mroe positive.

Stop watching the news too, that's enough to depress anyone.

Maitane

Without wanting to sound rude, I do feel you're being a little hard on yourself about being tired. Almost anyone going through redundancy would be feeling at a low ebb however at least you've got enthusiasm for OS so that will be half the battle indeed and small steps get you going.

Maybe make a note of what areas of OS you need to focus on in the short, medium and long term. Take a little time to look around the forum, see what is useful to you and what tips you think are really handy.

From personal experience, Stardrops have been a revelation, the Flylady thread seems to be really helpful to alot of people and the Grocery Challenge and Meal Planning threads are great for inspiration.
I love the £7 a week meals thread where Butterfly Brain very kindly gives her ideas for the Aldi Super Six and others suggest their tastiest cheap meals.

Though the support you get on the forum is great and people here really are willing to help.

moments_of_sanity

I have CFS and am being made redundant at the end of September and like yourself I too am on 'gardening leave'. My CFS has limited me hugely and every day I feel worn out before I even start!

I found the best way, for me, is to do little and often. First thing in the morning after my cuppa and breakfast I will Hoover the living room and dining room floor ( this needs to be done every day as I have 2 border collies and 2 cats). I then take a break and do something relaxing like reading or for me it's cross stitching, this can last anything from 1.5 - 3 hours. I then have lunch and once I have finished that I will clean a bathroom, nothing strenuous just a quick clean really. Again, I sit down and relax for a bit, then I prepare and cook dinner, relax afterwards and then I will go and clean the kitchen. I don't have the energy to do it all in one go anymore so every night the work surfaces get a wipe down, the dishwasher door gets a clean and I wipe down the front of the washing machine (how do dogs make sooooooo much mess) and every night I will clean 2 kitchen cupboard doors. This leaves my carpets, downstairs toilet and kitchen clean. Believe me, if those areas look clean you an sit and relax a lot easier

Uniscots97

FlubM wrote: »

Hi all

I have been on gardening leave for three weeks now while my redundancy process runs its course and had been away on holiday for the two weeks previous to that. I did hope for a short break before getting back into the world of work so that I could get the house, admin etc. sorted out but thought I would be feeling a bit more lively by now. It's not as if I have gone overboard with the chores yet (in fact, I have barely started!).

I am beginning to realise that I have sunk to an even lower ebb than I first thought and might need a longer break than I had first planned (so the OS approach will be even more needed).

I wondered whether there was anyone else on here who started their OS journey similalry exhausted and, if there is, whether you have any tips? I certainly need someone to give me hope that I won't always feel like this.

Having been made redundant three times in 5 years and having a 10% pay cut twice (to prevent redundancy, in reality it only held it off for a bit) I do know where you're coming from. Each time all I've wanted to do was sleep, feeling so lethargic. I dip in and out of OS as it suits my life style. My home is by no means like a show house but its home and the OS lifestyle has given me a distraction when I've needed it (either by talking to people on here, learning to cook something new or making food/money stretch). Try not to jump into too many things at once. Try a few threads or even start you're own diary (it helped me). You will get a new job and all of us will be here for you every step of the way.