too hard

I know what you mean @Former-Member I've been feeling the same about mindfulness myself lately.

It's hard to switch thoughts off sometimes. You've had so many stressful things happening to you and having to teach at school on top of everything, it's no wonder that you are struggling with negative thoughts. It makes it hard to sleep when feeling like that.

I'm going to have to try and sleep now lisajane. I hope that you are ok.

Sometimes taking deep breaths and holding it in, then slowly letting the breath out helps. It sometimes helps to relax. Sometimes when I find it hard to stop thoughts, I say to myself (in my mind) "stop it". Sounds silly, but if I keep saying it, it does help (not always).

Our thoughts can be so tiring, I hope that you will be able to switch them off and sleep.

I wish I was there in person to help you through all this.

Anyway, night night, chat again soon. xoxo

thanks @Former-Member

maybe it wasn't a wasted day, it was a self care day, where you looked after yourself. Here's hoping that you get some energy back and feel better soon.

i'm going moment by moment. its ok.

hope you sleep well,

lj

it was pretty hot here ..

it is supposed to be crazy to try and do a lot in the heat .. you were recovering from a stressful period and conserving @Former-Member

I was told to do 20 mins meditation twice per day .. before the mindfulness bug hit ..

I never regret my time with meditation .. and am back to it ..but for many years I simply could not do it .. and needed to do more active therapies .. like Tai Chi and lap swimming .. I was having to integrate too much ..

We are not all the same ... even tho we are similar ..

Cheers @Former-Member

hi @Appleblossom

im in sa so crazy weather here. its hot but humid and very wet. though its supposed to be clearing up a bit now. at least i still have power as a lot of people dont seem to.

i'm struggling to find or be able to do anything for me. theres no time to be able to do hobbies that i know used to help (i was fit and active before children/marriage) enjoyed sports/gym. now its just too hard/expensive to be able to do anything and noone to care for the kids. but theres also just no motivation to do anything at all right now. though i've made it part of my day to start with a herbal tea and finish. and taste, smell, focus just on that for 10 minutes. trying to ground.

lj

Thats a great routine to set for yourself .. @Former-Member

I heard about the power ... again .. lucky yours is not down this time

My inet connection has been playing up .. maybe due to works on the line .. I am with telstra .. ??

Really .. its whatever gets you through the day .. weeks months .. that isnt an addiction ..

I have had different physical exercise and spiritual practises .. depending .. on what was possible at the time ..

People who have a lot of back up and family support .. may not realise that while kids are still young .. it is a lot to just stay somewhat embodied and present ..

I wish I had been able to be more present to my kids 24/7 in appropriate ways .. but self whipping does not help.

Shrug your ex .. off ..

You have proved you have heaps.. of stamina .. and consistency and follow through by working all year

Kids dont really need 2 paarents working full - time .. even tho they all say it is necessary these days .. but I question that ..

part-time work will keep you sane .. get you out of the house .. give you some money and professional standing .. but not so frenetic or exhausted that you cant relax mentally ..

I was worried last year that you would not make it through .. with working fulltime .. but you did .. we shouldnt be expected to be superwoman .. and a caring mum .. with what that entails .. you may go back to fulltime .. just take each step .. as logically as you can .. regarding financial viability and daily and weekly routines ..

not sure how to arm yourself .. against the beast .. but take care of you

Dear lisajane,

No-one is too broken to be fixed. You are experiemcing a partiularly bad patch, and you need to focus on what you can do to get through it. First, ring your psychiatrist and tell him/her how bad things are at the moment. Maybe it is necessary to review your medications to give you better cover. Your psychiatrist may have other suggestions which could help.

As for the housework and shopping, forget it as far as possible. The sky isn't going to fall in if you can't do your regular chores. Do you have a friend or family member you could ring?You could give them a shopping list and they could do it for you.

You will not feel this bad forever. While things are bad try to make things easy on yourself as much as possible - it you need to rest on your bed then do so.. Make a list of the stressors in your life and try to think of ways of reducing them.

When you are in this frame of mind it feels like the end of the world, but it is not.You are a worthwhile, valuable human being and don't forget that. I know it is a struggle (I've been there myself) but things will come better in the end.

Ellu