Budgeting tips when income drops - what worked for you?

My income is now a fraction of what it was as a mechanic and I am trying to cover the essentials. It has been weighing on me all week. I am nervous about falling behind. What helped you?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 3 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

Check for energy assistance programmes. I got a credit that covered two bills.