Topic Tuesday // LIVE NOW! // Surviving the festive season overwhelm

[coffeegirl]

@Eagle - internet shopping is my saviour..

Gift vouches, clothes, little trinkets - everything is available these days!

[coffeegirl]

Hi @Shaz51

Are these events things YOU want to go to if you didn't need to consider your husband?

[Shaz51]

there has been lots of events we have not gone to at the last minute because of anxiety , i have rang up a lot to say that we will not be there

[Shaz51]

hi coffeegirl     , we will go shopping together , pick out presents for everyone , but by the time the day comes he just can`t go , I have still gone to some of the events by then everyone asks you a hundred questions ??

[NikNik]

Hi @Shaz51

That must be tricky for you - those phone calls are tough to make AND you have to worry about managing your husband's anxiety afterwards.

To coffeegirl's question - is this causing you to miss out on events you'd like to be going to?

[NikNik]

I just saw your response to coffeegirl @Shaz51

[Eagle]

@coffeegirl internet shopping is a good idea actually . I do that for groceries when I know I'm going to be really busy.

@Shaz51 I can relate. My family member works shift work, which I think is one of big issues. We commit to things, but when the time comes - due to work stress, we cancel. It's the worst when we are due to go to a small gathering and our lack of presence stands out more.

I have started to go to these things by myself. I have a good excuse though 'called into work' or 'has been working weird hours'

[NikNik]

@coffeegirl @eagle @Shaz51

Do you currently have any hobbies, interests, routines, treats, nice things etc that you currently participate in to take care of yourself (thinking outside of this busy season)?

[Eagle]

Currently I have a friend come over every second monday to give me some time out of the house. I find this 'me' time really important.

As I said, I love the beach, so when I can get there, I do.

[coffeegirl]

I'm not so great at "self care" ...

I have been reading about Mindfulness though lately.. I've heard it being mentioned a lot - so I'm thinking I will try it. I found an app called Smiliing Minds which I quite like.. I haven't used it a lot yet, but so far, so good.