Balance: work and self care

[AZ1970]

Happy Monday to every one!

I have been working hard on my recovery. I believe I have turned a corner and am stronger than I have been in a long time, if not ever. My mood is better overall and I am motivated to do things. I started getting bored being at home so much. So I decided to get a very part time job which I start this week. I also have school, my disabled daughter and home life to manage as well.

I know this is the next step for me. A part of me is scared though. Can I find balance with the self care I need to maintain my recovery? If I don't, I know I will crash. I recognize I am doing a bit of catastrophizing. (Aren't we all skilled at that?). This is a new journey for me. In the past I just poured myself into what I was doing and neglected myself. Learning balance is new.

Do any of you have strategies you have used? I welcome ideas.

[elly5609]

Hi AZ1970

I was in a similar situation recently too. I had 5/6 mths off work last yr to deal with anxiety. I felt i had a nervous breakdown and spend those months getting help. I started a new job jan this yr casual and worried about anxiety interfering with work, but starting on Eleva a week b4 i started my job has been a huge relief and i am continuing with taking this. I realised its important to continue with my mindfullness, going for walks in the wvening, listening to relaxatiin/meditation music, what ever relaxes you and you will find like me.. you can have the work/family/self balance. So yeh just work out ur relaxing techniques and i find reading stories here also helps and sharing also helps too. Congrats on ur new job- u will be fine! If you suffer anxiety/panic attacks do the breathing techniques, i find they help me greatly too! Good luck😊

[AZ1970 in reply to elly5609]

Thank you Elly. You are right, continuing to do my relaxation exercises will help. I am soooo grateful I don't have panic attacks anymore. My anxiety is under control for the most part as well. I just want to keep it that way.

[susanv1994]

I understand I have the same concerns. I am trying to reduce my medications and the doctor appointments so maybe I can get a part-time job. Either way, I spend an hour in exercise and another half in quietness. I also figure getting a part-time job is just one more step in being whole. You can do this. Just try to think of it as one more step.

[AZ1970 in reply to susanv1994]

I admire the hour of exercise. I would love to be able to work up to that. I imagine it helps a lot.

[susanv1994 in reply to AZ1970]

It does help (it didn't start out as an hour) it was five minutes here and there. Now I either walk for an about an hour or do yoga for about an hour.