Tips for managing stressful periods?

[Moth.]

Hey guys.

I probably know a lot of what people say, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment and I guess I need reminders/tips as to how to manage having lots of things to do and places to go, and how to keep a healthy lifestyle.regular meals when you're getting up at 6am, and not getting home until 7pm and need to be in bed by 9pm.

I'm managing breakfast, lunch and medication ok right now. But I'm struggling with eating a proper evening meal, drinking enough (I get dehydrated a lot, o this is vital), keeping my diary up to date, and not feeling totally overwhelmed by lots of things. The things themselves are manageable, it's just that everything's come at once >.<

Thanks guys x

[Pomegranate]

Could you plan your evening meals the week before and maybe order in the stuff you need for it so at least you don't have to think about it when you get home. Maybe things that don't need much preparation or planning like jacket potato or chicken salad? Or maybe if you cook at the weekend make extra so you can freeze it?

With regards to the doing everything you need to do, I used to have a colour coded post it note door. So stuff that was urgent was on pink post it notes and I'd try and do one a day, less urgent stuff was orange and stuff I needed to remember but wasn't priority was on green post it notes. Sometimes visual reminders can be helpful and setting aside time every day to do a task can make it seem a natural part of your regime. For example maybe doing your diary whilst you are waiting for your dinner to cook.

I carry around a bottle of water/squash with me all the time and try and drink two or three a day. Those new mini squeezy squash things are quite good if you don't like tap water.

[tiptoes]

What I do when I have lots to do and lots of places to be I make a weekly planner splitting each day into 2-3 hour chunks. Starting with what I must do, and then work down the priority list assigning blocks. If the stressful period is going to be prolonged I find it useful to assign a bit of quiet or relaxing in time in gaps between things that can't be easily filled with useful things.

I don't mind cold tea and coffee so how I get enough fluids is to make a brew in between each activity, I'm more likely to drink a drink a can see whereas I won't find the time if I have to stop to make it. This could also work with cordial etc. If you make it when its convenient regardless of whether you are thirsty and its near you you will probably be more likely to drink it.

Pick your battles, there are a million and one things on top of every day life that you can stress about when the rest of your life is stressful you just have to let some things slide a little bit. It's not failing, it's life.

Bulk make meals, or get a list of meals that can be thrown in the oven and almost forgot about. I find semi-pre-made meals like quiche or fish cakes handy with some boiled potatoes and veg or salad they make quick relative guilt free meals. Or things that can be thrown into pasta with minimal cooking like smoked mackeral, creme fraiche/nat. yoghurt with some frozen peas/sweetcorn etc.

Schedule some down time before bed, stopping working 30-60 minutes before bed will help you sleep better and be more productive the following day.

[Bear]

My psychologist taught me the stress bucket idea.
Imagine you have a bucket that's being constantly filled with water. You're the bucket and the water is stress. Your coping mechanisms are holes in the bottom of the bucket draining the water away. The more holes you have, the more stress you can take before your bucket overflows.
Coping mechanisms or holes you could have include taking time to relax, an enjoyable hobby, good diet, getting enough sleep etc.
I think everyone else has given good suggestions. Have you tried meditation or visualization to help you relax? There's lots of videos on YouTube if you're stuck for ideas
Take care x

[Snow White.]

How are you sleeping dear? It's great you're aiming to get to bed at a reasonable time because my brain just goes out the window without enough sleep, especially with stress bundled on. Are you getting quality rest?

What sort of diary are you saying you have to keep up to date?

Another thing I find helpful is just talking to someone about what is going on, even if it seems minor getting it out is great.

I keep a lot of lists too so I don't have to keep things around in my head, if they're written down it reduces the pressure.

Has anything helped you in the past to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed? Like are you a relaxation tape kind of person? :3

Glad you made this thread looking for tips, very good place to start
xxx

[Bellatrix]

Sticker charts!!!

[Cacoethes]

Along with all the awesome suggestions above, remember to talk to someone if things are getting too difficult.