Recommendations to self-care for stressing/depressing time?

[TxiaHoria55]

Hi everyone,
I'm right now in a very stressing time for me. I feel overwhelmed by my exams, projets, different medical appointments and by having to search for a new job. I feel like I'm everywhere all at once, and it's starting to take a tool on my mental health. These days I've been crying very regulary, feelin super stressed, sad and even angry/frustrated frequently. I feel like I'm a failure and like I'm in danger even more than before, and my intrusive thoughts feel too strong right now. Writting on my journal calms me, but it does not feel enough in this situation.
Since I can't really do much about the situation itself, I'm trying to think on ways that I can take care of myself while the storm goes off. I've tried meditation, but between my tendencies to procrastination and my impatience (I can't stay focused too much on something that makes me feel, no matter how much I try) I end up quitting and feeling even worse.
Does anyone have any ideas or tools for self-care in these type of situations?

[NarcKiddo]

Meditation does not do much for me and also ends up making me feel worse. But I have found that doing something "meditative" does work for me. That is something repetitive, that I feel has intrinsic value, that I can concentrate on but that does not require huge skill levels. So swimming laps or walking on the treadmill work for me. Swimming laps means I have to count the laps (or even the individual strokes). The treadmill makes it easier for my mind to wander but I either use it as thinking time or put some music on. I have recently got into adult colouring books and doing fairly complex and intricate colouring is very relaxing for me. So is artwork in general (but only if it is not going wrong!). Spending time with animals would be good if I had any - I no longer have dogs but doing activities with them was great.

I am sorry you are feeling bad and hope some of these ideas may appeal.

[Blueberry]

I'm sorry things are so hard atm.

My response to Bert on a similar topic could be helpful for you: https://www.cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=15588.msg136628#msg136628
I'm sorry but I don't have the wherewithal to edit it to help you specifically.

Specifically for you, try concentrating on the positive for even 2 minutes at a time. This is NOT positive thinking. Instead, check threads on here like the Three Good Things a Day https://www.cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=13821.0 I've linked the seventh, we're on the eighth now. Simply reading them usually lightens my mood but writing on them is good to focus your mind on what is good for you. It's OK if you can only find one good thing, read the thread for inspiration.

Try https://www.cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=6024.0 for physical self-care which can make you feel better emotionally.

I like to watch animal antics on Youtube, lots of adorable ones around.

Laugh, if you can, by reading something funny or watching those animal antics on Youtube. Again, this is NOT positive thinking or laughing away your problems (the kind of thing my abusers and enablers suggested) but just gives your system a brief break from all the heavy stuff. If you find you can't laugh or even smile or that you don't feel a little lighter, it's OK and you're OK!

Even reading https://www.cptsd.org/forum/index.php?board=51.0 might help. Or this: https://www.cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=13015.0
Some ideas on this post of mine too: https://www.cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=15081.msg129314#msg129314