Trying to Balance Saving and Paying Off Debt Without Feeling Stressed

Lately, I’ve been trying really hard to get my finances in order. I have some credit card debt hanging over me—about $3,000—and at the same time, I want to build up my emergency fund, which is pretty much nonexistent right now. I’ve been tracking every dollar with a simple spreadsheet, cutting back on little extras like takeout and subscriptions, but it still feels like I’m barely making a dent. What’s tricky is that I want to save something each month, even if it’s just $50, but the minimum payments on my debt make that tough. Plus, the stress of money worries sometimes makes me want to spend on small treats just to feel better—kind of a vicious cycle. I’m wondering if anyone else has been through this balancing act and found ways to keep motivation up without feeling overwhelmed. Also, has anyone tried side gigs or small online hustles to boost income without burning out? Would love to hear any practical tips or stories that helped you stick with it.