I think I need tips.

It's 230 245, I get up at 5, but I've been awake for more than an hour because I keep breaking out into hives. After changing my clothes and checking the bed for bugs and realizing the randomness of the rash placement, I went to Dr Internet, and I think it's just stress.

I had a bad weekend, tomorrow (well, today) is gonna be rough, and the holidays are looking grim - the stress is going to keep coming. I need to handle it better, though, because adding rash-induced sleep deprivation isn't going to help.

I think I need to do a better job of taking care of myself. How are you taking care of yourself? Big things, small things, any things - what is working for you?

  • CarbonScored [any]
    ·
    8 months ago

    I only really have boring answers, but for me, nature does do it. And the data back it up. I try (and do not always succeed) at getting a stroll out in the nearest patch of green for at least 30 minutes in a day, and find that helps enormously. I do go with a local walking group about once a month, who I absolutely adore going with, because the pressure to actually be social and actively converse is approximately zero, so every little conversation and chuckle is a voluntary, fun win.

    Books I find to sometimes be very relaxing escapism, Portrait of Dorian Grey especially completely removed me from reality for an hour a day.

    Some days, I absolutely love having half a day to dedicate to baking - I often just love the process of feeling free and wholesomely productive more than the actual end results, so I either make weird breads or try to do something time-consuming and complex so I don't have tons of sugar to consume afterwards. Bonus points for hummus making, putting together a stew of as many vegetables and beans as I can imagine tasting good together, and letting it simmer all day, or other fun cooking.

    I find a little benefit in meditation, some days. I only tend to manage ~10-15 minutes, but I've never regretted it, so I'd recommend giving it a try.

    Yeah I dunno, mostly boring answers, but these are the truth. For me, the big things are changing your scenery, getting mentally involved in something complex but low-pressure, and (very low-pressure) socialising.

    • the_itsb [she/her, comrade/them]
      hexagon
      ·
      8 months ago

      I loved all these answers, and this was the comment that made me realize I'm past stressed into straight up Burned Out.

      I really don't know how to tell you how much I appreciated having someone tell me to do all the things I'm doing in exactly the way I'm doing - it really was a huge "OH FUCK" moment that made me totally reassess my situation and give myself a lot more grace.

      Thank you. ❤️ Really, so much - thank you.

      • CarbonScored [any]
        ·
        8 months ago

        Wasnae a problem for me, and dang, burnout is a stress all of its own. Hope things are improving for you, then, do take care <3