How do you deal with your anxiety?

nurse lala, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2016

Honestly, I don't think about or worry about things that I cannot control. Worrying causes anxiety, upset tummies and sleepless nights. By thinking about stuff that worries you, your mind is not available to be 'present' in the present time of your life. Now. Worrying is like praying for something bad to happen. Knock it off.

So what to do? Get grounded. Go do something to regain your self control. Take a class on meditation. Go sweep your sidewalk, pet a cat, visit a neighbor. Walk barefoot in the grass. Eat an orange. Go bowling. Get out of your head and engage with life. That's what I do anyhow.

Anxiety does not feel good. I hope you can see to it to change your habits for your mental health.

ashrose1992 · Feb 9, 2016

Honestly, I don't think about or worry about things that I cannot control. Worrying causes anxiety, upset tummies and sleepless nights. By thinking about stuff that worries you, your mind is not available to be 'present' in the present time of your life. Now. Worrying is like praying for something bad to happen. Knock it off.
So what to do? Get grounded. Go do something to regain your self control. Take a class on meditation. Go sweep your sidewalk, pet a cat, visit a neighbor. Walk barefoot in the grass. Eat an orange. Go bowling. Get out of your head and engage with life. That's what I do anyhow.
Anxiety does not feel good. I hope you can see to it to change your habits for your mental health.

Thank you! It's something I try to work on every day. Worrying and stress are almost like a bad habit that I need to actively try to kick. I appreciate your input!

allnurses Guide · Feb 9, 2016

Thank you! It's something I try to work on every day. Worrying and stress are almost like a bad habit that I need to actively try to kick. I appreciate your input!

Worrying is very much like a bad habit for me as well though I do have an anxiety disorder and PTSD from Childhood trauma. My husband used to tell me not to fret about things to which I would respond "I don't know how to stop!" I work hard a staying grounded in whatever today brings. My dad used to say that "Yesterday is over and tomorrow hasn't happened yet so quit pissing all over today!"

He wasn't the cause of the trauma and I should have listened to him more.

Hppy

Hollybobs · Feb 9, 2016

Well it isn't very easy!

A type of deep breathing really helps me, I use it if I have the first signs of nerves/panic/feeling overwhelmed/worrying in circles. The kind where you you breathe in through your nose and slowly fill your stomach with air whilst keeping your ribs still. Then, focusing on letting out all the breath really slowly through your mouth and, when you think all is gone, breathing out a bit more. I don't know why this really helps but it is the most effective thing I've ever found.

I also like meditation tapes, journalling, swimming, walking and trying to get some fresh air. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and sugar also can reduce anxiety but is easier said than done!

I read an article that where older people were interviewed and they said worrying was their number one regret as it didn't change anything. I tell myself that when I start. None of these suggestions have eliminated anxiety for me but they can each bring it down a notch.

ashrose1992 · Feb 9, 2016

Worrying is very much like a bad habit for me as well though I do have an anxiety disorder and PTSD from Childhood trauma. My husband used to tell me not to fret about things to which I would respond "I don't know how to stop!" I work hard a staying grounded in whatever today brings. My dad used to say that "Yesterday is over and tomorrow hasn't happened yet so quit pissing all over today!"
He wasn't the cause of the trauma and I should have listened to him more.
Hppy

My boyfriend is a very relaxed, go with the flow, type B personality. He sees worrying as pointless, and I am so jealous of him! It is very hard to stop, I suppose all we can do is to keep trying!

ashrose1992 · Feb 9, 2016

Well it isn't very easy!
A type of deep breathing really helps me, I use it if I have the first signs of nerves/panic/feeling overwhelmed/worrying in circles. The kind where you you breathe in through your nose and slowly fill your stomach with air whilst keeping your ribs still. Then, focusing on letting out all the breath really slowly through your mouth and, when you think all is gone, breathing out a bit more. I don't know why this really helps but it is the most effective thing I've ever found.
I also like meditation tapes, journalling, swimming, walking and trying to get some fresh air. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and sugar also can reduce anxiety but is easier said than done!
I read an article that where older people were interviewed and they said worrying was their number one regret as it didn't change anything. I tell myself that when I start. None of these suggestions have eliminated anxiety for me but they can each bring it down a notch.

Thank you, I'll have to try that! I think I've read that same article. I'd hate to think of all of the time I've already wasted in my life worrying or letting that worry consume me. It makes it very hard to enjoy and live each moment!

cmryan12 · Feb 14, 2016

I suffered with depression and anxiety after I started my first acute care job. I was lucky to have a wonderful doctor who listened and we came up with a plan (including meds) that worked for me.

Fast forward a couple of years. I'm not taking any medication, I live 500 miles away from everything I've ever known, I work critical care, and I'm the most relaxed and content I've ever been. Some of it was getting beyond the new grad worry of "I'm going to kill someone with my raging incompetence". Some was being selfish and making the decisions that were best for me, even if they were difficult. I don't think anyone can tell you what to do to move past your troubles; it's a journey, and a personal one.

What helped me was realizing I wasn't living life. I was going through the motions and wasn't the person I wanted to be, or the person my loved ones knew me as. I gave up worrying (it's not easy, but can be done). My dad always pointed out how it does no good. If you worry, and it happens, worrying changed nothing. If you worry, and it doesn't happen, you worried for nothing. It takes so much energy to keep up that thought process. It's exhausting. It helps to get some perspective for a while too. I worked Emergency and Trauma for a while, and seeing how quickly things can change and be catastrophic helps you remember that none of us have much time on this rock. It's easy to get caught up in the forest and miss seeing the trees.

I love on my kittens, spend time with my family and friends, read, walk, and sometimes I sit in front of the TV and do nothing. I've strengthened my relationship with God as well. That's what worked for me. But you can find your own path. Listen to what your body and soul need, and give those things to yourself. Life is much better without all the extra worry and exhaustion. I promise. Best of luck to you!

RLJS · Feb 14, 2016

I had high anxiety when I was. New Grad and sought professional help for it. I take medication for it on the days that I work. On my days off, I try to leave work or thoughts of work totally out of my mind and enjoy my days off, I sleep, eat well, exercise, and generally treat myself well. I try not to second guess myself but rather learn from my mistakes.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2016

My boyfriend is a very relaxed, go with the flow, type B personality. He sees worrying as pointless, and I am so jealous of him! It is very hard to stop, I suppose all we can do is to keep trying!

Mine is the same way. It's so nice having a breath of fresh air like that in your life. He always pulls me out of a funk when I get anxious and upset.

ashrose1992 · Feb 17, 2016

Mine is the same way. It's so nice having a breath of fresh air like that in your life. He always pulls me out of a funk when I get anxious and upset.

Yes, definitely! I always hope his ability to stay relaxed will rub off on me.