Gamechangers for feeling less overwhelmed with life

[Fluffyelephant]

What's been the main Gamechanger for you that's made life / work / housekeeping less overwhelming? Let's learn from each other!

Feeling particularly hard to keep my head above water at the moment with competing demands of relationship, family, house renovations and running a business!

I relate to your last paragraph, although with a swap from 'house renovations' to 'necessary-even-though-I'm-avoiding-it-major-house-decluttering'. Sigh.

Oh and I am too cynical and weary (oh so weary) to believe in GameChangers, I'll take GameTweakers though

I know it isn't for everyone but medication has been a game changer for me. I also have regular therapy so I can offload.

• Eliminating as many tasks as possible. e.g. I don't handwash dishes, I plumbed in a dishwasher.
• Turning as many repeating manual tasks into automated tasks as possible. e.g. I don't shop for milk, my milkman delivers it.

ADHD meds
Sleep
Waking up an hour early at 5 and having time to myself, to walk the dogs and breathe before anyone else gets up
Getting to work 30mins before everyone else so the noise builds around me and I have my music on
Knowing I need decompression time post work- which is an hour or driving then my sport for 2 hours - this has been game changing in my ability to socialise with my other half and have energy for him

Saying no to things I don't like - concerts / clubs / busy things and living in the country

Working part time. It was initially to sort all my daughter appointments/school issues etc but now that's in a better place I usually get one of my two days off to recharge and use the other for house work and life admin. Obviously this only helps if you can afford it.
Less drastic things are making sure I take my whole hour for lunch and do something calming even if it's just reading my book. Running helps too but I have a love hate relationship with this (I always feel better after but struggle to motivate myself).

Using some annual leave days to be alone.

Running, weight training etc. Being physical.

Learning about the impact of trauma on the body, the vegus nerve and how to regulate it.

Understanding and respecting my needs and boundaries.

A recent ‘game changer’ for me has been coming off Sertraline after being on it for years. My gawd, I actually feel some motivation again after feeling like a zombie.

I feel better when I'm on my medication. I'll be on it for life I guess.

I try to avoid interaction with NTs because they never get me or understood. If I do have to speak with them I try to be quiet and let them do the talking. I smile and am polite and pleasant. It's all an act.

Laundry - I hang the damp stuff on hangers and then put away into the wardrobe or laundry cupboard if it's towels and bedding. I don't iron. People always seem to complain of being overwhelmed by laundry, but I do it frequently and keep it simple. I hang underwear on an IKEA octopus.

Don't drop stuff on the floor.

Don't feel I need to cook potatoes for every dinner. A crusty roll, packet of microwave rice or a microwaved frozen Yorkshire pudding is fine to have as a carb. Potatoes are annoying, fiddly and too much effort. I've finally got dh off them too and he's relieved tbh.

Have I misunderstood, or are you putting damp clothes into the wardrobe?

Cutting out people and activities I feel too stressful to contemplate or, anything where I’d spend an exorbitant amount of time preparing for, not enjoying and then “getting it wrong” and dissecting in a fog of exhaustion.

My life now is so much better for this. I’m lucky to be able to say “nope, not doing ….” I do realise that I’m in a unique position. I divorced my husband (reluctantly) two years ago and thought it was the end of my world. Turns out it wasn’t and now, I don’t have to behave in a certain manner to be acceptable to him and his adult kids from his first marriage. Their sneering indifference and ridicule was so debilitating to me. They are gone.

The friends and acquaintances I have in my life now, like me, just the way I am.

Noooo 😂 when they've dried!

Can confirm that "no" is very useful.