Making Myself Sick (and Poor) with Stress!

**daughter of pearl** · 10-02-2010, 12:05 AM

So a while ago, I posted that I had my dream job, and that is still true, but I have gotten myself into a loop of working all the time, and not keeping up with other stuff, like my house, gorceries or my friends, etc. Because of this, I wind up spending money I shouldn't be spending for the sake of convenience.

I am starting to feel the affects on my health now, and am seeking different ways to do things.

Any and all advice greatly appreciated...I really need to get back on track!!

**Nana2two** · 10-02-2010, 12:23 AM

Can you cut back on hours. Maybe working over time every other week? Just a thought. Will keeo you in prayer.

**homemaker66** · 10-02-2010, 02:42 AM

You know the old saying "The more you make more you spend" that is so true. Money is NOT worth all of the stress! Just remember to live within your needs.

**ladykemma2** · 10-02-2010, 06:16 AM

back to the basics

crockpot or other ready made food at home. have the meat defrosted when you get home. make your own frozen dinners. a can of chick peas can make a 5 minute meal. (chana masala, hummus, chick peas with butter and oregano). have a repetoire of "throw-down" meals and post them on the fridge. when i am pining for pizza i keep a tombstone pizza in the freezer.

my "throw down" meals are hummus and frozen whole wheat rolls, chick peas and oregano, chick peas and salad dressing, egg salad sandwich.

chores on saturday or whatever works for you. don't forget to work in exercise.

have a set date to see your friends. for example i walk with one friend daily and i have lunch with another friend every wednesday.

sounds like you have lost your routine.

**bumplett** · 10-02-2010, 10:55 AM

I agree with kemma, sounds like you need to get yourself back into a routine.

if it's too overwhelming to try to clean the whole place one your one day off, you could try to break it up into daily chores.

monday, clean the kitchen
tuesday, clean the bathrms
wednesday, laundry

etc. etc.

I've written down a schedule for myself, so I don't suffer from the overwhelming, "omg, where do I start" stress.

you'll find your balance.

**mamamia** · 10-02-2010, 07:37 PM

Awww sweetie! You got yourself into quite a rut there. Taking some time out for yourself really is good advice. I know you probably feel like you just don't HAVE spare time, but we really can find the time for us, because we always seem to manage to find it for everybody else when they need us, don't we? But now it's your turn! It does not have to be a whole weekend, just enough to make you feel like your enjoying your life, kwim?

What I wanted to add was what might be a little help as far as turning to convenience foods and wasting money, and it's one of the ways I personally swear by to avoid sending out for a few pizzas.

What I do is pick out foods that I only have to ~actually cook~ just once, but make 2 or 3 meals from. For instance, when pork loins go on sale for $1.99 lb., I'll get about a 6lb. roast, or several to equal about that amt. The 1st night I make a regular roast with potatoes and veggies. The next night I want to use it, I'll make Cubanito sandwiches or stir fry over rice. Then for a 3rd meal, I'll cut up some peppers and onions, and let it all cook down in a BBQ sauce and serve on buns with potato salad or coleslaw. If you have a nice deli dept in your supermkt, it wouldn't hurt to keep some ready made in the fridge for those tired nights. Also when you do a stir fry, you might want to have some store bought or frozen egg rolls on hand. Those little extra things help "round out" the meal, and make your life so much easier too!

I won't drag this out on you, but a few other things I do is when I mix my meat for meat loaf or meat balls, I'll either cook 2 meatloaves, or I'll at least shape the other, and just freeze like that. The same with meatballs. And meatballs that are in a sauce freeze VERY nicely. It's great when I just have to boil the pasta, and I can put a nice meal out for everybody. And remember, you can keep pre-made garlic bread handy in the freeezer too. Or p/u a loaf at your grocer's bakery.

So, I guess you pretty much get the idea, and could come up with a bunch more family favorites to add to what I mentioned. Don't feel bad about keeping a few "helpers" in the fridge either. It's still much cheaper than take-out. A good deli and bakery can help pull you thru alot of meals. And ya know, we just can't do EVERYTHING!

Hang in there, and please do make that time that you so much need for yourself right now, ok?

Sending Hugs!

Theresa

**Siebrie** · 10-03-2010, 03:01 PM

Would you have enough wiggle room in your budget to hire a cleaner, say, once a month? Even if the cleaner does only 2 rooms properly, like the kitchen and the living room one month, the bathroom and the bedroom the next, etc., you would only have to ´maintain´ those standards.

A clean and reasonably tidy house will keep your brain organised.....

**mauimagic** · 10-03-2010, 03:13 PM

Great suggestions!! You need to make/take the time to breathe and think - sounds as if you are on the Ferris Wheel and don't know how to get off. Start with one thing at a time. .... and keep in touch!!

**shoiji** · 10-03-2010, 05:08 PM

Understand what you mean. Last night I was out from 6:30 am - 8:00 pm. I did pack some food and used a coupon for coffee but ended up buying an appetizer for $3.95. When I got home I was tired but forced myself to load and start the dishwasher and sort clothes to do laundry today when I got home.

The way my schedule is now I will only have two days to get things done around here. So instead of stressing myself out I plan on cleaning a little each evening. I feel so much better when the house is clean. I will probably make a big batch of chicken soup in the crock pot and freeze portions for meals throughout the month. That way when I get home I know there is something good waiting for me instead of buying food on the run.

Start pulling out the crockpot. I have started the crockpot right before I go to bed. In the morning the meal is done. I usually make sure to do this when I know I have a couple of hours before I have to run errands. That way I can cool whatever I just made and put in the fridge. Sometimes I will empty the contents of the crockpot into a large bowl so it cools down faster.

Whenever you do cook make sure to double up what you make so you can freeze some for later.

**Imarachne** · 10-03-2010, 05:17 PM

Being really busy can take a toll on being frugal but if you plan one day a week or even for a couple days at a time , you can get back in the groove. You know how and thats important ! Good luck !!

**daughter of pearl** · 10-03-2010, 07:22 PM

Just wanted to say a big thank you for everyone who replied...you helped me put words to what has been going on...I am desperately missing routine in my life, and it has really affected my enjoyment of life and the way I set my priorities.

I am starting to get some perspective. This week will be a little test to see if I can try to stick to a plan.

Fingers crossed!!