Things are so nuts...what do you do to keep afloat?

[ayaandjudah]

Life has gotten crazy here.

I've spent the past month dealing with some medical issues that have largely gone unanswered. My kids are awesome but they keep me crazy busy when they're home (THANK GOD FOR CAMP). Work has exploded recently.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed??????

[nun69]

honestly, I had to double my anti depressant.... Alisa!

[LJSDesigns]

I usually cry a little and then I make lists. As long as I know what I need to get done, I can tackle it one at a time and usually make some headway. Oh, and I get cranky. What I don't do is give up what little me time I have cause if I do it is all ten times worse. Good luck with it all Alisa!!

[dgreenshield]

I make a list and tackle it a bit at a time while I remind myself that I can only do so much each day. I also make sure I have a little bit of me time each day, even 5 mins helps.

Hang in there!

[joelsgirl]

I start snapping at everybody and then they leave me alone...Don't know that is really a good answer, though. Things are pretty high stress here right now, and I honestly find myself eating lots and lots of chocolate. And prayer.

[jacinda]

Delegate. Give hubby more responsibility. Get the kids to help tidy up. Decide what is important, then decide to just not stress about the rest. Instead of cleaning up after the kids 10,000,000 times a day, have a set time, say just before bedtime, where everybody (hubby included) races around the house and tidies up, working together. Have crock pot meals so you're not rushing trying to sort dinner at the end of a hectic day, or just have easy meals. Do you have any family that could come babysit so you can have some time out?

Mostly though, I'd sit down with hubby, tell him how overwhelmed you feel, and see if you can come up with a solution together.

[rach3975]

Cry a lot.

Like other people said, I make lists and make sure to take some time off from it all. I also let everything that's not essential go, and if I'm really having a hard time I let the kids watch extra tv so that I can have that time to get things done or take a mommy time out.

[maryinaz]

Drink.

[kristijoy]

For me I always go back to the basics. Clean something, cook something, sit on the floor with my kid...to *heck* with everything else.

[clearskies]

Cry.
Sleep.
Pray.
List.

[SeattleSheri]

Originally Posted by maryinaz

Drink.

{cheers}

A glass of wine definitely helps, but usually I just wait for it to dissipate. Medical issues are hard, I hope you get some answers soon!

[ayaandjudah]

You guys made me laugh.

I also cry a lot. I usually feel better after a good cry.

Next weekend my older kids are going to my sister in law for the weekend. I bet it helps a lot to have e downtime.

[Stacey42]

Ice cream & lots of to do lists. Making lists makes me feel like I have a handle on things.

[mrshobbes]

Cry or rage (depending on mood) just for the release work of emotions. It clears my mind and empties my heart of crazy emotions that could affect my decision-making. I'm able to be a lot more objective after that and then can tackle my to-do list.

[nesser1981]

No idea! Lol! Hugs!

[origami]

Be honest about what you can take on. I have come to the conclusion that although I'd like to volunteer more, I really need to focus on my family. What you're going through is different, but what it comes down to is this: be realistic about what you can take on. Try not to worry about things that don't matter so much, like if there's some clutter in your kitchen or living room. Take time to meditate, relax, listen to some quiet music, even if you think you don't have the time. Take a few minutes to just recharge yourself. And let your husband and friends help out.

[Sherri Tierney]

It kind of sounds like my life right now. I pray. Then I cry. Then I scream a little. Then I take a walk or take a nap or listen to some feel good music. As a last resort I take anxiety medication if I can't find any other way around it (I always taken anti-depressants though, have for 13 years now)

[LeeAndra]

Repeat 'All I can do is all I can do.' over and over.

Scrap.

Focus on the absolutely essential tasks: going to work. taking care of DD. making dinner. Nothing else needs to be done daily.

Listen to Limp Bizkit. Or Ludacris.

[MamaBee]

Originally Posted by rach3975

Cry a lot.

Like other people said, I make lists and make sure to take some time off from it all. I also let everything that's not essential go, and if I'm really having a hard time I let the kids watch extra tv so that I can have that time to get things done or take a mommy time out.

here too... there has been a few days where kiddo has watched PBS all day long...

[ashersmommy]

I try to be strong and keep it inside until I can't take anymore and then bawl my eyes out and need a break from the everyday scramble. Unfortunately I have relatives that are chronically depressed and a couple that have attempted suicide, so my DH freaks out every time I need a good cry (which isn't too often but right now I'm pg soooo... lol!). I can't get him to understand it doesn't mean I'm depressed, everyone just needs a good cry once in awhile when things get overwhelming. Having two boys is challenging especially when you're around them 24/7 (I don't have anyone to watch them ever so I can get a break), so I need that cry at least once every couple weeks because I start to feel trapped.

I also agree with others that making lists to accomplish anything (I have a dry erase board I use and it feels great to cross things off the list) helps as well as having those days when you just say "forget it" and let the kids watch TV or play video games more than you normally would just to catch a break. Just dropping what "needs" to be done and going outside or to the park with the kids sometimes helps me realize what's really important, too.

[wheeliegirl]

Originally Posted by maryinaz

Drink.

This!

[d2vasquez]

I will cry if it is a tough moment that I just can't seem to handle and then I will make it a point to do something with my family or scrap. I find this helps me breathe a little more. I do find I don't sleep a lot unfortunately and I try to read to keep my mind from going in directions I prefer not to go to..

I hope you find some peace soon.

[carriesmom]

Cry. Ask for help. take some time to reflect. Workout. Ask for help. Cry. Pray.

Honestly, it is really hard.

[schock77]

I feel this way often! I'm a teacher so I've been looking forward to summer but find it's been just as busy with medical stuff too, keeping the kids busy, etc. I'm not sure what I do other than just keep on truckin' I just wanted you to know I feel you on this one!