Sorting life out - anyone in?

[NewHorizons2024]

I've reached a mental health low and I need to get back on track.

What has caused it is getting out of routine from being on holiday, not a very cheery holiday, work anxiety and the usual stuff. I just feel utterly overwhelmed and like zoning out. I have been working quite hard the past few weeks to declutter and subsequently not done as much fun stuff. I don't even have the energy to write the to do list.

A major ongoing problem is how lonely I feel. I go into the office but I have had the usual autumn colds so didn't go and have gone into a sort of hermit state.

I say all this needs to change, but it's very hard now winter feels like a comfort blanket. This happens every year, then summer creeps up. I feel really affected by SAD this year.

Right moan done. I actually don't know where to start. But I am going to get some sleep now and then tomorrow try and start somewhere. I might post here as a sort of right I did one thing record. I don't want to create another thing I have to elaborately update but I do need some accountability in the form of an anonymous Internet forum.

Anyone want to join for a day or couple of weeks?

Good idea. Thanks for suggesting it.

I struggle with IBS which is apparently stress-related. Yesterday I ate haddock, which is very good for iodine, and I am now sitting in bed mildly regretting it, because of indigestion, as always. I know it was the right thing to do though, because iodine is important.

I have done a lot of decluttering this week, which was good, and a huge amount of problem solving, and setting boundaries with people.

I also was very good and slept this afternoon.

Lots of good activities with DS, which was good.

GP appointment booked, about which I am mildly panicking.

Cheering you on. You sound determined. Hope you get some rest and I look forward to seeing your update tomorrow!

Hello. Thank you. It's sometimes hard to be there for yourself and everyone else.

I slept well and I made myself stay in bed longer. Thankfully my boss is off today so I feel a little less stressed workwise.

I have so far showered. I keep forgetting to wash my hair. Had breakfast.

Also wrote down a few sentences to rant about what is pissing me off. Confided in a friend. The problem is people then ask how you are then you talk and focus on it more. It is literally the worst feeling when you want to be around people but what is going on inside is ugly. Then made a list of things to address which is all positive.

So I do feel positive that I am up and showered and dressed. Well done me.

First things now- one task which is to get through emails. I am going to set a 15 minute timer and put music on.

Good for you well done @ConspiciouslyDifferent and thank you @CognitiveBehaviouralHypnotherapy

Timer is on!

Emails done. Not really 15 mins. Going for a short walk. One thing at a time.

I am loving this NewHorizons, what a great start. It's all too easy to let things slide, especially at this time of year, and before you know it, you've slipped a long way down and it's hard to get back up.

I'm about to make my own thread along similar lines, as I've just been diagnosed, in my late 40s, with ADHD, and with the boost that meds have given me, I'm trying to take back some control and get some joy and oomph back into my life. So far, these things are small but are adding benefit and I'm feeling better and brighter.

Getting up, showered and dressed each morning. I've bought more indulgent shower gel that I love the smell of, and nicer shampoo and conditioner to make it feel more of a treat than just basic hygiene.

Staying hydrated and fed - I'm a devil for letting the day slip away and not eating or drinking enough. I'm reminding myself to fuel myself like a car.

I'm staying warm - slippers and blankets are keeping me cosy while I work.

I'm reaching out to friends more. Pulling back from people is understandable when you feel low, but try and get in touch if you can. Even it's just a quick hi on a text, it'll help you feel less alone.

Listen - I'm listening to more podcasts about self care and looking after yourself, and they can really inspire you to take steps yourself. I'm the queen of 'can't be bothered' but I'm trying and sometimes, just listening makes you feel better.

Reading - good books make everything better, especially if they enable you to escape from work/home/life for a while.

Nurture yourself with good nutrition.

Make plans - are there any things you can put in the diary to look forward to? Go to a show, see a film, join a book club, see a friend for dinner... I've just arranged a few things - a meal out, a visit to a Christmas market, and a breakfast with a friend, and they're all things that made me feel much better as I wrote them in my diary.

Love the timer - I'm using one too, so set the timer to do something else productive after lunch. You have absolutely got this!

And, last one, keep talking on here... you're not on your own, I promise.

Thanks @BreathingDeep I'll follow your thread. I am going to do this for 2 weeks, that feels like an achievable time frame to get back on track. All your points are good. Especially the self care podcasts and books.

Did a work call. Going to wash hair as reward. Then dinner. Then a work task.

excellent New Horizon, you're on a roll!

Wow that gif came out massive! Didn't mean to spam up your thread :)

It's half term, so I took my little one (and our dog) to the park at lunchtime. I try to get everyone out into the fresh air every day.

These things are amazing NewHorizon! How are you going to reward yourself this evening? And what will you tackle tomorrow?

Joining! *see thread I just posted I how crap I feel..

How's today going New?

Joining here.

Running and working more than full
Time in my business on top of admin/house admin/kids admin and not getting a minute for myself

I joined a local place with a lush pool and started swimming a couple of times a week but then got covid four weeks ago and have t got my ass in gear to go back

At the same time I started eating well and drinking more water less coffee and was feeling great so now I've slipped back k feel grumpy lethargic and hefty.

Had family mental health issues since feb to deal with which is ongoing (sibling) and knackered parents who I'm trying to take the pressure off at their age but I've had to step back from that.

I need a thread like this one to kick me up the ass and get me back to looking after myself

I'm feeling low and lonely today. I hate the cold and I am running out of credit on my gas meter.

I cooked myself a nice meal and I am going to have an early night. I am sure I will feel better tomorrow.

@NewHorizons2024 how are you doing now? Did you stick with it, or has life got in the way? I know that feeling only too well! If that's the case, read your posts and remember how great you felt when you made a list and then blitzed it?

If it helps, here's my list for today:
Light candle so the room smells gorgeous and write out To Do list
Make delicious coffee and choose playlist to work to
Work - tick off first 3 things from To Do list
Order my repeat prescription
Book in pets for overdue health checks that are paid for and seem beyond me to organise.
Collect DH's prescription (he's in bed with Covid)
Buy bottle of wine for tonight's chicken chasseur recipe
Meeting at school to discuss DD's new ADHD diagnosis
Work - tick off next 3 things from To Do list
Phone call re daughter's ADHD meds
Work - tick off next 3 things from To Do list
Make chicken chasseur
Facepack

HokeyCokey and Pumpkinpie, how are you both doing? Love that you've joined a swanky leisure place Hokey - have you been this week?

And Pumpkin, I can so identify with what you wrote - this is a time of year where it's so easy to feel alone and sad, and being cold is the worst. Can you keep an eye out for electric blankets that you can wrap around you and plug in - they cost pence to run and will keep you toasty rather than having to heat the whole house - I swear by mine while I'm working.

Also, what do you have in your diary to look forward to? If there's nothing at the mo, what can you put in for the next week or so? A coffee and a walk with a friend? Is there a movie you've wanted to watch or a TV programme you missed? Sending you a hug, it's shitty when you feel glum and you know you need to pull yourself out of it.

I'm back. This is going to be a long running thread. I've hit a point, I don't know what it is, not burn out, not stress, I think it's freeze in the fight, flight, freeze. When this happens I find going into observation mode is helpful. A whole lot of proverbial shit has hit the fan.

Today I've gone for a run to do sprints. I'm now working for 2 hours. Then I need to book a haircut and book the physio.

Done that. Another 2 hours work now.

Oh New Horizons, I hear you. I'm regularly in freeze mode - often, not for any reason other than that I'm paralysed by decision and choice. Today, I had big plans to get shit done, and so far, virtually nada, though I've looked busy all day.

I really hope the shit hitting the fan isn't too destructive or damaging for you. If it helps, feel free to offload here.

x

Done 2 hours. Getting a snack. Then another bit of work.

I've been much better thank you. Slight name change, was pumpkinpie.

I get down and overwhelmed sometimes at the weekend. I'm back into the weekly routine. I write a list of things to do each day and find exercise helps.

Thanks for the suggestion of an electric blanket. Good idea. I've been able to keep warm since pay day.

Thank you so much all, it means more than you know.

@NewHorizons2024 - sounds like you are managing to get on with things. I find writing things down in a journal helps to motivate myself and make sense of how I am feeling.