I've noticed my kids get REALLY whiney if they watch too much TV. So I set the timer for 30 minutes, and when time's up, the TV's off. I do the same for computer games. Otherwise, I forget, and the next thing I know, they've been watching cartoons for two hours.

We have a "school box" that is full of crayons, colored pencils, washable markers, kids' scissors, wooden beads and shoestrings, sewing cards, felt shapes, glue sticks, etc. They can pull it out and string beads, draw, color in coloring books, make designs with the felt shapes, whatever. Keeps them busy for a while, and they can get at it whenever they want. I have a similar one with Play-Doh. I keep them on the lowest shelf in the pantry. Why there? My youngest gets "hungry" when he's bored, and looks in the pantry for something to eat. Hmmm takes after his mom. Usually he gets distracted by the box of stuff.

Good luck! Sorry you've been feeling out of sorts!