how to deal with stress?

[beckie]

I know some of us here are going through stress at some point in our lives but I'm dealing with a fair bit myself right now:

My 77 y o mother tore her supraspinatus tendon badly 2 weeks ago in a fall and it has been absolute hell here-she won't do what the doctor told her,wakes us up in pain every night,interrupts our daily activities and generally insults us as much as she can...THe last 3 nights I have been woken up at 3-4am and its really taking a toll on my mental health.I am snapping and snarling myself and I hate it when I do that...

I have not been able to study nor train through this because I have had to take on her workload in the house as well as my own. Because of this I have had to defer my NSCA exam til next year. I am cooking,cleaning,washing,looking after the dog,helping Dad out(he is nearly 80) and trying to get some of my own stuff done without much luck. The only thing I have actually been able to work on is my website,everything else is pretty much out the window....I have literally become an 'harrassed housewife' overnight LOL
I also have clients I'm helping with routines and show prep and I'm made to feel guilty for even doing that..aaagh!!!!!

Sorry for the vent but I needed to bore someone with this...

[Tim Wescott]

Sounds rough Beckie.......I wish I had some sage advice to offer you,but I don`t deal well with stress myself.

I hope it all turns out OK for you.

[jbig]

Hmm.. Sounds tough

I suppose a bit of prioritising might help. If the vaccuming can be done the next day then just leave it, stuff like that. It sounds like you are quite rushed off your feet? Just try to take a minute to calm down every so often, it's always worse when it builds up and you snap (has happened to me a few times). Maybe you could even tell your rents how you feel (I know for many reasons this may not be possible) and perhaps they'll ease up on you a bit.

Hope some of that is of use! I'm sure it will get easier soon.

[Karrie]

JBig brought up an EXCELLENT point..PRIORITZE!!! I have 2 kids 20 mths apart-4 and almost 3 yrs old, work 4 days a week, train 3-4 days, cook all meals, clean, church, time with the kids....YIKES!!!! I AM NOOOO STRANGER TO STRESS AND HOW TO DEAL. Here are a few suggestions:
1-Make lists-I am the QUEEN of lists. Write down the things that 100% HAVE to be done and so those things get done first. Cross off your list as you go along so the tasks get done according to importance.
2-See what things your dad is able to help with. Even as simple as changing the laundry or pick up the house...it may make him feel like he is helping and take a little off of you.
3- Take BECKIE time!!!!! Even if it is running down to the local coffee shop for one hour....I think you can leave things go one hour and have time for YOU!!! Heck even a HOT bubbly bath with the radio on works wonders!!!!!
4-Keep your friends close to listen when you need to vent!!!!!

I hope these thoughts help!!!!

[tiffany]

Sorry to hear you're having a rough time. I do agree with Karrie - lists, lists, lists. Also like Karrie, I have a pretty hectic schedule, but it is another thing to be suddenly thrown into a situation you are not used to. Try to be understanding to wards your mom, she is used to doing so much and now feels like she is letting the family down and is probably frustrated. Maybe sit down with everyone, decide as a family what needs to be done and what can wait, and who can help out with what.
And, yes, take Beckie time!!!!

Hope things get better ((hugs))

[beckie]

Thanks so much everyone! i've got an easier day today thank goodness-meeting a girlfriend for lunch,and shopping for a new bed end..then off to buy new glasses(yes I do have 2nd set of eyes!)

[Mystic79]

Once we accept the fact we cannot avoid all stress, we can learn how to manage it and not let it control us. Balance is the key to vitality. It's not easy to do sometimes, but make having "you time" a priority, also make sleep a priority. Often times in our life we just make work a priority and completely ignore the good. Just like working out, we do all of our growing outside of the gym when our bodies are recovering. The same way, our mind needs rest as well. We can rest our mind through relaxation, sleep and having fun be it with family or friends. Meditation is also very stress relieving. Not necessarily prayer, but deep breathing, while your close your eyes and sitting in a quiet room.

Hope this helps, just something I try to do in my own life. I am a VERY high strung person and doing these things has helped me deal with stress and lowered my blood pressure.

One last thing, learn to tell yourself, "If I can get through these tough times alive, I can get through anything that comes in my way!"

[beckie]

Thanks Jay-I've had a good day tody,busy but productive and the best thing-

I will be launching my website next week!