How do you focus with everything hits the fan?

[merrr]

I'm struggling really hard right now - between my job being downsized and my two college courses and selecting classes for the next semester and finishing my duties for the year as PTA secretary and being a mom and being a wife and being me... How am I supposed to focus and get my homework done?! *sigh*

So, what do you do when life hits you with all it's got and your world is spinning but you still need to find time to focus and get your stuff completed?

It's been almost a week since I found out I'll be downsized - I really need to get my crap together.

[ReneeW]

That is very, very tough. For me, I create a really thorough "to do" list, prioritize it into "must dos" and importance, and then schedule specific times to get the tasks done in my day. When other things distract me I try to tell myself, "I can deal with that later," and focus on the current task, maybe give myself a reward after for getting it done. Also -- when things get stressful (and I know this is easier said than done), it's important to make sure you're taking care of yourself, getting enough sleep, eating healthful foods, drinking enough water, making time to call your best friend on the phone etc.

i also remind myself that I can only control what I can control, and what's outside of my control--there's nothing I can do about that, so I have to do my best to let that stuff go and to "slough it off" out of my brain space.

So those are my thoughts! Hang in there and know things WILL get better.

[dara1012]

In college my boyfriend of 3 1/2 years broke up with me over the phone (he lived in CO, I lived in WI) while I was in the midst of finishing my capstone project for my psychology paper. I was so upset b/c he knew it was due in a week and could have not said anything to me until it was done. I was devastated because he never told me why, what happened etc. and I couldn't focus on anything. I didn't eat, or sleep much for days. I finally had to snap out of it, because my capstone had to be finished. I never ask for extensions and so I just dove in and did it. I have since learned from the Strengths Finder profile that one of my strengths is responsibility. When push came to shove I tapped into my strengths.

Now that I am older I approach things in a more healthy way. I usually try to let it out by crying about whatever the situation is and then I take a deep breath and make a "to-do" list. I prioritize things by due date and then within each day by importance. I set a certain amount of time I will focus on things before I do something else. (eg. I will work on schoolwork for 1 hr, then take a 10 min facebook/internet break, then do another hour and then have a snack).

I have had a number of weeks this winter where I needed to focus on schoolwork but have gotten a call with a sad health update on my uncle and have to find ways to move on with what I need to do while also finding time to grieve my uncle's impending death. I have used the strategies above to get through those times and rely on my strengths to get done what I need to get done.

Hang in there, we are all here to support you.

[cakemakermom]

Focus on how your education will get you to a much better place. Write down your goals and the steps needed to get there. Search for the things that will help you get through the tough times, do you need government help to get through, can you find a second job, is there something your husband can do to get through this tough time?

Remember to breathe. When you find yourself overwhelmed, perhaps doing some yoga (you can find free videos online) or other breathing exercises when you don't think you can take anymore will help. Don't forget to get your daily dose of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin helps!

I hope your husband will help you destress when you need it. Try to find one good thing in each day and you will remember that life is worth fighting for, no matter how dire the situations seems right now. Take time in the day to do one little fun thing (so much fun stuff in life is free!) each day.

Doing the homework will get you good grades, which will make you look better on paper, which will get you a better job. You can get through this little bump in the road!

[sharon]

I suck at this.

[apryllraye87]

I suck at it too, Merrr. But I'm thinking of you!! <3

[bumblebee23]

Just remind your self that things could be worse. At least DH is working now and not unemployed right? Yes things are going to get rough but you have been there before and come out alive on the other side. I'm not saying it's going to be easy and you know it's not but you have ventured through this territory before. Stay positive that you will find another job quickly. You are qualified and capable and no doubt someone is just waiting to snatch up someone as awesome as you!

P.S. You are in school to better yourself and help your career keep that in mind and when it is time to study push everything else out and remind yourself this needs to get done because it is for our future. Lots of best wishes from me to you!

[sarahisis]

List, prioritize, and recruit help...

I also make lists for others that want to help lol. Mostly dh