Too much on my mind. Anyone got any tips?

[RubyFowler]

Basically I've got work stuff, kid stuff, home stuff all whirling round and round in my mind and can't seem to switch off at all.
Mild headache won't go away.
Anyone got any tips they want to share about how to switch off? I can't see myself getting a good night rest which is what I really need!

i download it all into notes app on my phone

bath and book and a small amount of alcohol usually does the trick for me

Write it down. The more you have put on paper the less your brain feels it has to hold on to for the morning.

Also, nurofen as soon as you get the headache, they only get worse overnight IME

Try to find something to think about which is mildly absorbing but not stressful or something you need to remember. I think about living room decor ideas for example (many years later I have put none of these ideas into action but it keeps my brain busy but not too busy!)

I am tempted to have a drink, but i feel a little bit too anxious I think and am worried it'll make me worse!
I have made lists which is usually my go to trick and I feel a bit better but not made that low level general anxiety feeling go away.
I don't normally feel like this and its worried me a bit.

It helps me if I write my thoughts down. I really recommend the podcast Nothing Much Happens by Kathryn Nicolai. I listen through the podbean app. Its brilliant, and it always helps me get to sleep. I have PPD and PPA and my thoughts were making it so difficult for me to sleep. I put the podcast on and gently drift off.

Write a list of e everything you need to do. I find I'm most stressed when I have lots of things to remember. I write it all down and then I can prioritise what I need to do and it stops me forgetting.

Thanks minipie good suggestions.
I've got some paracetamol in the cupboard i don't know why I don't take them straight away really.

Thanks so much for the replies. That podcast sounds great.

I've started watching videos on YouTube about home fragrance wax melts of all things before bed. They talk about different scents and types and how this one smells of this and that one smells of that. I've been using this one this week etc etc

It's simple and absorbs me into thinking about something peaceful which calms me down. I've found it so helpful after a massively traumatic time.

Obviously it doesn't have to be home fragrance, it could be anything simple and calming, maybe a craft or something but for me it's definitely worked.

I've even found if I wake in the night with my heart racing I start to work my way through a list of scents alphabetically and I never make it beyond about F before I'm asleep again.

I promise I'm a very normal person!

I totally see why that would be soothing impatientwino! Sounds lovely

@Impatientwino

I've started watching videos on YouTube about home fragrance wax melts of all things before bed. They talk about different scents and types and how this one smells of this and that one smells of that. I've been using this one this week etc etc

It's simple and absorbs me into thinking about something peaceful which calms me down. I've found it so helpful after a massively traumatic time.

Obviously it doesn't have to be home fragrance, it could be anything simple and calming, maybe a craft or something but for me it's definitely worked.

I've even found if I wake in the night with my heart racing I start to work my way through a list of scents alphabetically and I never make it beyond about F before I'm asleep again.

I promise I'm a very normal person!

This sounds lovely do you have a link at all please

Something else that occupies just enough brain and is relaxing… masturbation
Though if you’re already tense and headachey it may not work too well

I swear by the calm app for sleep and relaxation stories

How old are you ?

@minipie

Something else that occupies just enough brain and is relaxing… masturbation Though if you’re already tense and headachey it may not work too well

Ha! I've gone for hot chocolate and paracetamol for now! Maybe later!

I’m sorry to hear this. It’s can be so tough.

I was super sceptical about meditation and still am to a certain extent. However, I started using the headspace app and it’s really helped. Especially when falling asleep. I get it free through work, so it might be worth checking if you do too.

@GoodnightGrandma

How old are you ?

I know what you're going to say....menopause! I'm just 40....too early?

No, could be peri 🥴

@EgweneWoT

I’m sorry to hear this. It’s can be so tough.

I was super sceptical about meditation and still am to a certain extent. However, I started using the headspace app and it’s really helped. Especially when falling asleep. I get it free through work, so it might be worth checking if you do too.

Sounds interesting. I'll look into that too. Thank you.

@GoodnightGrandma

No, could be peri 🥴

Oh yay!

I do feel like I've got more on my plate than normal for a few weeks. Fairly big stuff happening at work that will be over in a couple of weeks, coupled with a divorce, kids birthday, loads of school stuff for some reason and then of course Christmas.
No more than most of us I'm sure, but more than I normally have on i think.

I like a good calendar with a big space for each day. Everyone knows to put stuff NEATLY on the calendar !
Lists ! I’d lose my mind without lists.
And finally, an Epsom salt bath twice a week. Makes my skin soft, and very relaxing.
I also always go to bed at 10pm and read a soppy romantic novel, nothing that stimulates. Routine is the key.

My friend and I started a Tuesday night walk during first lockdown and have continued. I always find that so refreshing so I'm looking forward to that tomorrow.

@Plantsandpuddlesuits of course.

This is a lady from Canada I watch. She does a monthly 'empties' video amongst other ones she puts up. It sounds a bit salesy at the beginning as she's running through lots of their products that's she used but I watch her a lot as she is very sweet and describes scents well. She also does Tester videos where she reviews 2 or 3 scents in depth.

I do not work for them I promise!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i70S_VSkffQ

And if I can’t sleep a wank normally works 😱😳

@GoodnightGrandma

I like a good calendar with a big space for each day. Everyone knows to put stuff NEATLY on the calendar ! Lists ! I’d lose my mind without lists. And finally, an Epsom salt bath twice a week. Makes my skin soft, and very relaxing. I also always go to bed at 10pm and read a soppy romantic novel, nothing that stimulates. Routine is the key.

You're right. I've just downloaded Richard Osmans second book, not romantic but I really enjoyed the first so I'll get myself tucked up with that soon.