I don't know if it's just today, but I am ridiculously stressed out!!! I've been trying out new and improved ways of coping with stress, but so far nothing has really worked. The stress of these new coping methods not working is adding to my stress level, and I feel like I'm just going to EXPLODE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So here's why I'm stressed.
Since I started working for DCFS, my life has changed drastically. I used to spend all day at home, being able to keep the house clean and organized, cook dinner, have the laundry all done, etc etc etc. Then I would go to work a couple nights a week at the sleep lab. I got to see Scottie a lot, since he worked at nights also, and we'd have all day to be together. I also had no homework, no stress of school, and although our financial worries were still present, they weren't overbearing.
But NOW - I work four 10 hour days - from 8 am to 6 pm Mon - Thurs. I get home Monday nights at 7, just in time to scrounge something for dinner and try to tidy up what I can before going to bed at 10. Tuesdays I get off work at 5:30 and go straight to U of P where I'm in class till 10:00 at night. Wednesdays I get off work and go spend time with my Grandmother till 8 or 9 at night (which is usually the highlight of my week because my Grandmother is an amazing person) and then Thursdays I usually end up staying late at work to prepare for things on Monday. Fridays are my one day to get things done. Laundry, cleaning, shopping, and the random things that ALWAYS seem to come up. Not to mention homework.
Scottie goes to school Mon, Wed and Fri from 9 am to 3 pm and then goes straight to work till 11. I'm usually in bed when he gets home. He works Tue and Thur from 7 am - 3 pm and then goes to school till 6 pm. I feel like I never get to see him. We do get Thursday nights together for a couple hours, and then Sat and Sun, but we're always going somewhere doing something every weekend. The house seems to always be a mess. There's always dishes or laundry to do. And for some reason, now that I'm making more money, things seem to be more expensive. There's always a random new bill that just shows up. Or there's an ER visit when someone sprains their ankle playing Rockband on the Wii (I wonder who did THAT?!?!!) *cough* SCOTT *cough*
On top of that, my job is incredibly stressful. Not only am I stressed about the things going on in my own personal life, but I have 16 kids to worry about - 16 kids whose parents just don't seem to be gettin it. 16 kids that depend on me to keep them safe and help them with everything they need. 16 kids that only want to be loved. And I don't get why their parents can't do it!!!! Granted, they provide me with job security, so that's the silver lining in the world of DCFS, as sad as that is.
Whew. Okay. Venting session now over.
Now that you probably think I'm absolutely crazy, I was hoping for some stress relief advice. I know I'm not the only one that feels this way - all of you have lives that are just as busy, and more - because most of you have kids!! I can't imagine how you do it - the thought of being a mom right now is ridiculously overwhelming, and I admire each one of you superwomen moms!!!
So what do you do to relax? What gets your mind off the stresses of everyday life? I would love to know your secrets! So do tell!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
9 comments:
Chocolate. And lots of it.
But after you've gained a few pounds, that starts to work against you.
Instead, use the power of positive thinking. Instead of worrying about everything you're NOT getting done, encourage yourself with the things you ARE getting done and accomplishing in life. Work together with the crazy rocker husband of yours-- you guys will get it figured out. Also, prioritize. List what is MOST important and do those things first.
You can do it! We're all here to learn and grow and even everyday experiences like scheduling help teach us valuable lessons. Just be glad you don't have to add Relief Society President to your list. Positive thinking! It works!
I totally know what you mean! I haven't seen my husband much at all this year, and it gets hard sometimes. Try scheduling a couple of hours a week that you and Scott can go out and do something COMPLETELY relaxing (no chores or errands!) to kind of catch up on each others weeks....and it kind of helps me to think about my husband a few times a day and actually do something to let him know I'm thinking of him - whether it's just a random e-mail, a little card, a great dinner (when time allows), a phone call (only to leave a message since he can't really answer his phone much), or grabbing a Snickers bar for him on my shopping trip.
I know you have a million other stresses in your life other than missing Scott, but I guess I can relate a little bit to this one - so, those are my few pointers. If you have any of your own, please feel free to share!
I love the picture! Maybe that is why I indulge in desserts when I am stressed. I just have it backwards!! :) I know how you feel too well! I struggle to find the time for myself when I have 24 credit hours worth of homework, ROTC, my son and my husband to take care of as well as the stupid, never ending housework. The highlights of my day are when I get to read a book to my son and rock and sing him to sleep and then hold him for a few minutes before I put him in bed and rush off to do more of the crap on my to do list. I take every moment possible, which isn't too many, to relax. This might be funny to you, but I honestly take a book or my phone and play Brick Breaker while I go to the bathroom. There is something about that bathroom door that creates a semi-permeable barrier between you and the world. I also make sure I have good music that I can sing to in the car while I commute back and forth between Spanish Fork and Salt Lake every day.
I am sorry that you are sooo stressed. I can't even imagine being responsible for more than two kids. It is sad how some people don't take care of their children:(
Everyone is different when it comes to relieving stress. I like to run or just go outside and relax. I am sure that the leafs are changing up there so maybe go for a nice long walk and look at them. Or just have a day where you hang out in your pajamas and do whatever you want. Leave the house cleaning for later.
Good luck and I hope things settle down a little bit for you.
It is amazing how quickly things can get so crazy!! You are amazing getting through all of the stress, but you need some time for you as well as your hubby. That time cannot be doing things around the house. Get out and do something fun. I love to get in the outdoors or loose myself in a book. You will find what helps the stress. Good Luck!!!
Sorry you have been stressed! I don't think life EVER slows down. I think I will have a week of just getting stuff done and then stuff comes up. I think it takes some serious hard work to not have a stressful week. Good Luck! I hope it slows down soon for you.
Don't have kids.
Exercise.
Break glass against a hard surface (terribly satisfying) like a jar against asphalt.
Prayer.
Music/singing.
You time (doing whatever it is that strikes your fancy, but particularly pampering--facial, nails, hair, massage etc).
Yoga/stretching/breathing (oxygen is good!).
Deep breathing with closed eyes while using positive imagery (imagine a nice beach for instance) and words/sounds/ whatever that help....think happy place!
Furiously cleaning.
etc. etc. etc. I have a million ideas. lol
Don't be so sure about the job security with the new bailout plan... you know I had to say it... haha
I love taking a drive to a place that is all nature, besides the road that I am driving on. Something about it that makes me clear my mind and just get away for a while.
Sorry things are really stressful. I hope that things settle down or fall into place for you soon.
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