Off Hamster Wheel: How Did You Lower Some Stressors?

[theshadowoftheliving]

I'm still in the middle of my own personal hamster-wheel-hell, but working on getting off of it, too.

I've been trying to sort put what stressors are real and inevitable and which ones aren't. Some just take a long time to resolve, like last spring when I was technically homeless. It took me forever, it felt like at least, to work really hard to save enough money, to find the right apartment, to put down the deposit, then to finally move in. That stressor was super real. There was no CBT I could have done to remove it.

Now that stressor is gone and I live by myself. But there are others, primarily financial. And I can't just will them away. All I can do is to be kind to myself.

But then there are other stressors that I CAN fix easier, like not sleeping enough.

Other things that help are intense exercise, eating well, drinking less (alcohol and caffeine) and maintaining a rigorous social life whether I feel like it or not.

 

[Ronin]

but working on getting off of it, too.

Go slower.
The wheel stops rotating, and hamster gets off easier. ;)
Also while having the time to get used to that change, too.

 

[Recovery4Me]

, like last spring when I was technically homeless

I am sorry to hear that but very excited to hear how you climbed back up on your feet to get your own place! There are some of us that can relate to that situation a tad more than we might like. (((hugs))) if you accept and (drum roll please...)
Congrats! :)
Acquiring your own apartment is huge!!!!:tup: I have yet to do that & am living in a large house with a rented room or communing in a small village. Depends on one's perspective, I believe.:clown:

I CAN fix easier, like not sleeping enough.

Are you able to do this without meds? Can you share a bit on this subject, because it is of keen interest to this unwilling :wideeyed:awake creature of the night?

 

[Recovery4Me]

Go slower.
The wheel stops rotating, and hamster gets off easier

Makes sense and you have been listening to John Lennon again!:clown: (((((((hugs)))))))))))) Thanks! I needed to remember that my friend.

Purpose but with cruising speed.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

Are you able to do this without meds? Can you share a bit on this subject, because it is of keen interest to this unwilling :wideeyed:awake creature of the night?

Mostly, just getting myself INTO bed at a reasonable time. Plus the usual stuff .... no electronics right before bed, sleeping with the lights of (a surprisingly hard one for me), white noise, deep breathing, less caffeine, more exercise .... I don't sleep well. But, if I do the right things, I sleep a little bit better.

And thanks for the congrats on the apartment. It's such a success to me, even though it's filled with furniture I found on the side of the road.

 

[Recovery4Me]

@theshadowoftheliving It seems that you have been really working on creating a safe space plus an excellent compassionate routine for yourself within your apt! :tup: You offer many steps to savor and to cultivate for inner peace and rest. I appreciate your time and explanation.

*I too find that I need white noise and am in the process of reestablishing that one. Insofar as the rest of your kindly offered sleep routine, I need to find the balance of coffee before bedtime. Coffee actually calms me down as I am ADHD. However, I will try to reassess my newer level for evening intake for the correct balance. :facepalm:

As well in reference to your furniture, Roadside Eclectic is much celebrated in this area with our Green Communities! So bravo dear!:joyful: I have an tubberware bin table and one gently used futon myself. The good news is...I am alive to enjoy it!:hug:

Perhaps feel free to upload any pixs that you wish to share of your area or furniture as celebration is encouraged by this Hamster! ;)

Perhaps getting off the wheel happens quicker, when I remember where I came from. Yet, you are right in the manner that certain levels of economics do seem to perpetuate stress. Maybe that is why it seems so circular as well to me. Thank you so much for being you and offering some suggestions.

 

[Recovery4Me]

I wanted to include this gem that I found as I was reviewing my bookmarks. Often as I stress, I have trouble remembering the thoughts or items that have anchored me prior. I wanted to share in case some of the newer members hadn't yet seen it.

*There is an attachment within this thread link, offered by Anthony with restrictions to usage:
https://www.myptsd.com/threads/ptsd-therapy-one-page-as-simple-as-it-gets.16010/#post-202964

You can find the One Page PTSD Self Help.pdf I am using it today. Thanks staff and A.

 

[Anrish]

@Recovery4Me : Break the routine every once in a while - so you'll have something special. :hug: ....you can be proud about your achievements. Keep up the good work! :tup:

 

[Recovery4Me]

@Anrish ((((hugs to you and yours))) Thanks! I have some nice artwork that I acquired from some artist friends- that I prop up in my room. ;) Rather proud of that!

 

[Anrish]

@Anrish ((((hugs to you and yours))) Thanks! I have some nice artwork that I acquired from some artist friends- that I prop up in my room. ;) Rather proud of that!

*blushing like crazy - Cleo does the same* ARTWORK!? :wideeyed: Uhm, don't exaggerate...:notworthy: But we feel honoured and gladly return the hugs. :hug:

 

[Anrish]

To lure the hamster out of his cage. :laugh::roflmao:

 

[ghotiff]

I find phone games that gave short levels best for me as there is a stopping point.

These are ones I like.
Plants versus zombies2
Cut the rope
Tiny Heros