To ask you for quick stress self first aid.

[Boredbumhead]

Ive kind of hit the wall tonight mentally and emotionally. The kids have been pushing my buttons since they got home from school and delaying bedtime. I've just lost it with them. I'm a single mum and my work stress if off the scale right now. Something odd has happened with my brain and I feel at snapping point mentally when normally I just manage. Can you send quick ideas to get me out of this hole?

Agree with @AliceAbsolum
I sometimes hug myself as well
Felt stupid initially, but actually helps.
Courage @Boredbumhead

I'm in work and I feel dizzy and tearful.

Deep breaths. Soothing thoughts.
Can you make yourself a cuppa?

It will be ok you know.

Got cuppa.

Take a deep breath, hold your breath for 4-5 seconds, exhale. Repeat few times. Ideally outside on your own for a few minutes. This usually helps me calm down.

I've got a big meeting to chair this afternoon. I honestly don't think I can do it.

Can you delegate or cascade up? Better to hand over your agenda 3 hours before the meeting with an "I don't feel well, can you take this one" than to walk out mid meeting.

And make sure you take breaks. Even now, if you aren't bad enough to go home, step out for 10 mins and get a coffee. Have a lunch break (I usually knit in mine), and peace yourself as much as you can.

Also consider making a gp appointment.

Hope you are ok. Keep taking little breaks, even if it’s just in the loo.

Is your boss a decent person?
Could you talk to them?

@MinesAPintOfTea I have taken your advice thank you!. I have delagated the meeting to someone else and have come home. This is better I think than storming out of the meeting crying and loosing face.

I've got papers to register with local go (we moved and haven't done that yet).

Will think how I can change things so this doesn't keep happening. I think I'm physically as well as mentally worn down.

Glad you've got the afternoon off. Nap to recover a bit then take the paperwork to the GP before school run and try to make an appointment there and then?

I'm going to have to speak to my boss about a reduction of duties. And perhaps reduce my hrs.

How are you doing @Boredbumhead
Sounds like a good plan to chat to your boss. Hope you are feeling better.

My boss is part of the problem I think. She always asks a bit too much and never praises me.

Ahh. Tricky. Is she approachable?
How did this evening go?

Registered with the doctors now. Can't get an appointment until they get me on the system.
I feel a bit mentally stronger today.
My parents have picked up that I'm stressed and have offered to stay next week for a bit.
Baby steps..
Jo

Well done. One of the bravest things is to ask for help. I hope you get an appointment soon. Have you got any plans for when your parents come?

How are you getting on? Do you have the weekend off to regroup a bit?

Thanks all. I got to the end of the week in one piece. Yes I have the weekend out to sort myself out a bit (single parenting kids so not lying on a coach rest but still a rest).

Toying with whether to ask manager to drop some of my director responsibility.in favour of a mentoring role. I'd be giving up control of a budget but also less stress.

I feel like the feminist in me wants to try and keep progressing in my role and trying to juggle things, but I never get to stop and smell the roses so perhaps I should ask to drop the responsibility element of my role.

It doesn’t have to be a permanent thing. You could take on the mentoring role, and then review when the dc are a bit older.

You are still a proud feminist
Hope you have a good weekend.

Exhaustion hitting me again tonight

Seven eleven. Breathe in for 7 seconds exhale for 11.
Or 4:7:8
In through the nose for 4, hold for 7, blow out through the mouth for 8.

I hear you
Same , single
Mum
Work full time , stressful job and coronavirus isn’t helping

My stress is high , started sertraline

And the biggest takeaway is self care , put yourself first . So have that bath , let standards slip , don’t beat yourself up , have that blow dry , have that small treat , call a friend , watch that funny programme , exercise , get in the fresh air x

It’s hard as hell