Here are a few strategies I am trying to adopt (or re-adopt) to get back on top of my stress and prevent further depression.
1. Reading time. I need 20 to 30 minutes at the end of each day to unwind with a book. Right now, I am re-reading George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire saga (you may know it as “Games of Thrones”). It’s very comforting.
2. Sleep. I am trying very hard to go to bed at 10 p.m., no later. It’s difficult to “be done” by then, but I am trying to honor it, Sunday through Thursday. On the weekends, all bets are off, although I tend to let myself sleep later (ha ha, 7 a.m. is later!) and, heck, if I can I grab a short nap. (That doesn’t happen often, but it’s something I’m often on the lookout for.)
3. Going to church. I have a confession: Some Sundays, I don’t get my butt to church. But I’m discovering that going to church for me is like a reset button: I get to unload my concerns and prayers, and start the week a little lighter. So I’m re-prioritizing it to Number One thing to do on Sunday.
Other things on the table: therapy — as space to help me see my way ahead, to plan; an in-home nanny for the summer, as a way to make mornings easier, and change up my after-work time, make it more about being with the children than lots of pickup/driving time; the continual search for a different career path; time with friends, even if it’s just one friend for a couple hours during the week; and (possibly) getting back into the poetry writing scene. That last one is probably the most challenging.
Red Pen Mama 
i’m reading dance w dragons now, slowly because i don’t want a lag between books. i need me some jon snow in my life 🙂
I know, I’m hoping once I get through re-reading everything, the next book (or TWO) will finally be out. George R.R. Martin = slowest writer EVER. 🙂
I need to start Book Three; it’s on my TBR.
As for the poetry, holler if you need support. I have a character on my blog who is a poet and … well, woman, you’ve got a friend who’s a published writer! Use me!
Well, I was quite active in the poetry scene in Pittsburgh back in the day, although never managed to get out a chapbook. Would like to find the time to start workshopping again. May start putting out a few things here. Undecided on what route to take right now. It’s been ages since I wrote anything new, although I have stanzas running around in my head.
Re-reading Song of Fire and Ice? Nice! I finished Dance with Dragons about a month ago and wish the next volume would come out already. I’m also struggling to go to bed at a decent time. When I do, I feel so much better though.
Yes, after about four days of a 10 p.m. bedtime, I didn’t go to bed until 10:30 last night, and definitely feeling the lag. I’m still surprised only 30 minutes can make such a big difference!