To ask you how to cope with stress?

[MummySharkDooDooDooDoo]

Posting here for traffic because I'm approaching a panic attack and would really like some suggestions.

I feel completely overwhelmed by everything. I have so much I have to do that I keep forgetting everything. I have things to arrange, things to buy, things to do. I'm a single parent to two young DC who don't sleep brilliantly so by the time they're finally settled, I'm exhausted. It's the only time I really get to do things but the exhaustion adds to feeling overwhelmed and completely unable to tackle anything. I've not been well this past week and both DCs have been unwell too. I've had to take time off work so I'm worried that work are unhappy with me, but I'm so run down because I'm basically running on empty all the time. I'm so stressed. I want to cry but I haven't cried properly for months. I started to cry today and, although I know I'd feel much better if I had a proper sob, something holds me back. My DCs are asleep now and I should be trying to get some sleep too but my mind will not switch off. I can't relax so I can't sleep.

Sorry, I know this is a slightly incoherent rant. My head is fuzzy but working a million miles an hour. How can I calm myself down so I can sleep and not feel so overwhelmed by the million things I have to do?

Do you write lists? Have you tried dividing your list into Must/Should/Could and then just striking out everything on the Could list? Are there any items that, if you actively decided not to do them, the world wouldn't actually end and the children's lives wouldn't actually be ruined? (This can be quite a weight off your shoulders if you can just strike some things off your list.) Of those that Must be done, are there any items you can achieve via a shortcut? Are there any items you can outsource? Can you share any tasks with a friend/family member (eg you do X task for both you and them, and in exchange they do Y task for both you and them)? And remember, if your children are little, they need you to be fit and healthy to look after them - health and family time is much more important than lots of Christmas stress. Maybe make Christmas low-key this year?

Sending you sympathy and hugs

Can't help with most of that but I'm a big fan of the super slow breathing I learnt at pregnancy yoga many years ago for when I was in labour. (Breathe in through your nose for a count of 8, blow out through a little gap between your lips for a count of 16. Repeat for a few minutes) Really helpful to calm myself down.

For sleeping I like to listen to a radio program I've heard before to keep my mind distracted but not overly interested. White noise is probably better thought.

Headphones & you tube calming spa music for tonight or there are some where a man talks to reduce stress etc & helps you sleep, also decide to do 2 lists tomorrow- home & work must dos, then choose the top 3 from each that have to be done, second deep breaths

To do lists
Nice films
Exercise
Swimming
Gardening
A declutter

Sounds like you need some headspace (not the app !) and to feel more control

Try and get some sleep and feel better then review the

Also single mum with full on job and not much back up. I honestly find that feeling like that is best solved by sleep. If you get some rest then you will be more able to cope.

Ignore housework. Do bear minimum of everything and prioritize rest above all else.

When I feel physically stressed though (usually PMT in my case) I get busy. So anything physical actually helps as does getting outside for a walk

Thank you all for the suggestions.

I didn't sleep well last night. DD2 woke up around midnight and had a high fever. It took a while for it to come down. I'm taking her to the GP today anyway and I've booked an appointment for myself as I'm worried that I'm spiralling in to depression again. I'm already taking the highest dose of antidepressants so I don't know what I expect the GP to do but I feel like speaking to the GP is doing something proactive. On the one hand, if I was signed off work for a week I feel like it would give me the time and space to get on top of things and feel a bit better. But, I know that would just increase the work stress. I have hardly any annual leave left as I've had to use it to cover school holidays and when the DC have been unwell. I do have my parents for support, but they do so much to help me and they seem to have grown resentful of all that they do. The DCs Dad had them this weekend, but I didn't get any chance to relax or tackle anything as me and my DP went to stay with some of his friends. It was nice, and it had been arranged for a little while, but I could have done with a really lazy weekend. I'm so tired and still feel pretty rubbish physically after being ill last week. But I have so much to do.