What do you do when life gets on top of you?

[OhToBeASeahorse]

I'm struggling at the moment. Any tips for how to battle through when it gets tough?

It depends how overwhelming the problem is really. Sometimes I find it's better not to think too far ahead just concentrate on getting through one day at a time or if that seems overwhelming then even the next hour. Hope things improve for you soon.

I find letting myself feel it and wallow a little bit is good. It's ok to struggle and be overwhelmed. If you want to take a day off and cry, that's fine. I find writing stuff down helps or just taking the time to properly think about it and acknowledge that it is shit and you're perfectly right to feel upset/stressed/angry about it.

Then work through it day at a time or task at a time. Bit by bit.

And remember, this too shall pass.

Thanks. Writing it down is a good idea.

Journaling really helps me. Also it depends on what the situation is but if it's not a specific issue then I'd look at whether all your needs are being met, basic needs like are you eating well, sleeping enough, having enough positive social interactions, engaging your brain. And anything else you can think of that you need to feel your best and balanced. If it's a specific issue not just everyday life then extra support whether that means a cleaner, a babysitter, seeing your family, meeting a close friend, having time away for the home, going to the GP or having counseling. I find a good place to start is to ask myself 'what I do I need right now?' X

Listen to the Galaxy Song from Monty Python.

And yes, I do mean it, I find it puts all things into perspective. Then go outside and look at something green (I mean tree/plant/grass, not a passing car).

Walk and listen to music. I often either think of ways to learn to live with what’s happening or solve problems that way. Music is my therapy!

Go steadily and slowly through some small achievable tasks. Wash up, empty bin, pick up toys and shove in a box, or whatever your equivalent is. Go for a short walk. Wash your hair. Have a nap. That kind of thing.

Get in to this moment. There is no other moment than this one. Eckhart Tolle’s “power of now” is excellent. It gives you enough breathing space to gather yourself.

survival mode

I also find it very helpful to write a list of my worries and then allocate a number to each from 1-10 as to how much they are worrying me.

If anything is a 7 or more then prioritise working through it. Is it in your control? Do you need to take action? Make a plan for how to deal with it.

I'm also struggling with life atm. Everything is just so overwhelming. I normally take myself off for a long long drive with my music on. I agree with a pp though....allow yourself time to "wallow"

Thanks for starting this thread op. It's really helpful and hope you feel better soon

I've had a shit day so turned to the wine.

I have been advised that it is not helpful to hide from myself, but I do. I can tell when life is hard, because I read, watch and play loads. Anything rather than focusing on being me.

I read an old favourite or watch a 45 min episode of something on my phone just some entertaining tat to take me outside of everything.
Go to bed sometimes that helps if you can sleep.
Have a walk always helps me settle down that anxious feeling.
If jobs need doing I make a list of the urgent then the medium tasks and slowly tick through them it feels better having them on paper.

I've started meditation. Just 10 mins per day listening to the headspace series on netflix. Also a walk in the woods/being in nature. Great you recognise and want to do something when you feel rubbish. Left unchecked I've really spiralled down.

To know that nothing is forever, this too shall pass. I used to ruminate an awful lot, think things over and over thinking I'd come up with some magic answer when all I did was perpetuate the feeling. I was really really bad at coping with change, stressful or upsetting situations or just my own anxiety.
My little list that recently helped me get through a very emotive and stressful situation

• allow yourself to think about it for ten mins everyday, other than that if the thought come bat it away and distract yourself. This gives the brain space to not get overwhelmed.
• guided meditation e.g calm app and a bedtime story through the app.
• a walk or excersise every day
• speak to someone and seek fulfilling social contact

This usually stops me going down a hole.

Sending hugs it's a lonely place to be

2-3 hr blitz on one thing