originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:56 PM

Time to wrap up and phone out for the night! Here's what we've learned this evening:

 

It seems like a lot of us juggle several commitments, like uni, work and volunteering. Also taking time out for self-care and coping with mental illness, which also takes up time and effort

 

It seems like we all want to do all the things in the least amount of time possible – which means fitting work, study, volunteering and other commitments around each other. Sometimes it’s necessary for us to collect experience or practical knowledge alongside our study, or we commit to things that we feel are important. Plus, we seem to forget that we NEED down time, and think we can keep going forever with minimal rest. Of course, this means we can sometimes take on more than we can handle

 

Judging our mood states seems to be a really common way to tell when things are getting a bit much – and how they affect our bodies as well. Not feeling like you’re enjoying what you’re doing anymore, or feeling like you’re too tired to do basic things like feed yourself. Restlessness, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted: these are all signs of the impending (commitment) apocalypse.

 

Just like there were so many reasons to overcommit, so there are many ways to deal with overcommittment. Asking for help – even asking for someone to take some of your work hours – making a priority list, scheduling down time later on during the week or even the week after. Sometimes you need to find more time, which can mean cutting back or even ending a commitment.

 

Scheduling down-time is important when you have a lot of commitments to worry about, which is related to good time-management. Some things need more self-care than others: if you feel like you’re going to be in an emotionally taxing situation, maybe scheduling self-care before and/or after could help. Aids like diaries and apps can be super useful for keeping tabs on commitments. Also, knowing it’s okay to assert your needs and say ‘no’ when you know you can’t commit. Speaking of…It seems like we all have! Its not as difficult as we think it is, and the world won’t end because we can’t hang out with someone. Besides, you can always reschedule! Your friends will understand.

 

Knowing when to say yes and no can bring its own benefits – you enjoy your outings when you do say yes, and when you say no you have time for yourself or to finish off other commitments.

 

 

In short – dealing with commitments and social lives is a learning curve, but you eventually learn that your wellbeing and self-care should come first in these decisions, as with life in general.

 

Thanks so much for coming out all! And shoutout to @Stealth_ninja for your very first GR session - facilitated!!

 

Good night all

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:55 PM

I am liking that everyone is making sure they look after themselves by going to bed! How sensible! And right on time too! @safari93 is just about to post the summary for the night 🙂 

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:52 PM

Thankyou @Stealth_ninja and @safari93 for the great questions. Good job!!

I'm out too, I'm going to get to bed in order to treat myself foe the committed day ahead

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:52 PM

@evanescence no need to apologise! You were great for the time that you were on 

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:51 PM

Goodnight @stonepixie, and you too @smiley_, I gotta hear from you more often on here, I love what you have to share!!! Keep it up legend

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:50 PM

Never annoying, @j95! Always welcome. I'm always up for a chat with you! Goodnight, thinking of you

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:49 PM

@stonepixie Night!! Thanks for coming out!!

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:49 PM

I've also got to head off now! It was great joining in my first session and I'll definitely be back 

Hope you all have a great night 

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:49 PM

Absolutely, @Stealth_ninja, a lot of the time I tell people a little fib like 'i have to spend time with family' or 'i have work later than usual' just so that I can have a few hours of peace haha
I think it's okay if it's what gets us rested and able to face all the commitments we already have. Not all the time though and also not huge lies, saying we need some space should be enough!

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:48 PM

@evanescence 'the world still turns,' what a great life philosopy!!

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:48 PM

@Craycray17 there is definitely no need to apologise, but still saying "No, sorry," is polite. People don't like being turned down and saying a simple sorry, with a polite/nice tone, can make the inviter feel better. It's not about apologising for not going, it's so that the person inviting you isn't offended.

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:47 PM

@Stealth_ninja true! I've definitely had those times where I've gone out despite not wanting to and enjoying it despite my original feelings. I guess we don't always know how things will turn out

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:46 PM

@N1ghtW1ng thankyou for sharing your bit! I totally agree, a no is enough, you don't need to apologise for being kind to yourself

originally posted on 09-11-2015 9:45 PM

Hey @j95 tag me in a seperate thread if you would like to talk over what's going on 🙂 here for you man