I'm sitting in my office right now, full all the way to the top with anxiety.
Eleventy million things to get done at work before the Twice Up the Barrel tour to the U.S., which starts in about two days. Also an infinite amount of other things to get figured out before then as well.
I thought people moved to tropical islands to never feel stress or anxiety ever ever again? What the crap guys?
Sometimes I wish I could slip back into the care-free days of childhood. Just for a little while. Then I remember that when I was a child I had to go visit Betty down the street. She was 197 years old, give or take. She sat on her front porch in her wheel chair and forced the neighborhood kids who were sent to visit to sing songs to her for 2 or 3 hours at a time. THEN, as a "reward" for doing so, she would remove her prosthetic leg and show us the stump.
Every single time this happened I was unable to eat for the next 12 hours.
So, yeah. Sometimes I want to slip back into my childhood. But then I remember how rarely I see geriatric leg stumps as an adult and I'm all, "eh. Not a bad trade-off."
Plus, I still don't do my own laundry, so being an adult could be worse.
Anyway, that's all I really have to say today. But I just want to ask you, while I still have your attention, what kinds of anxiety-fighting activities work best for you? The whole "breathing deeply while counting to ten" thing isn't really doing it for me anymore.
Also, for an online resource on the topic, check out betterhelp.com.
~It Just Gets Stranger
Exercise and looking at pictures of you with no shirt on.
ReplyDeleteAnd the creepiest comment award goes to...seriously. That was pretty creepy.
DeleteBow chicka bow wow
DeleteWohoo! I'm not the only one who finds Eli rEdiculously attractive in the pictures where he's not wearing a shirt. Which are incredibly rare considering he lives on a tropical island in the middle of the south pacific. c'mon Eli, give the people what they want. ;-)
DeleteStanding in co-worker #1's office and scratching at a glass window while staring at co-worker #2.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am totally overwhelmed I eat dark chocolate, take a nap, read a good book, or take a bath. Maybe even all of those if it is really bad. Of course a long hard run or some crossfit training always helps too. But since it is so crazy hot where you live I suggest something less physically taxing. :) You got through law school, you'll get through this.
ReplyDeleteI drink ALOT. It is the only think that stops me digging a hole and hiding in it.
ReplyDeleteDon't bother going to see a shrink. I did and it didn't help. I just gave me more things to worry about.
Try meditation. Not just breathing but the full body relaxation. Google relaxation techniques and find some simple ones you can do, even while at the office.
ReplyDeleteRead Stranger! ... But that might not work for you?? :)
ReplyDelete"Child's Pose" (yoga)...it has the benefit of hiding your eyes so you can shut out everything and feels great. http://yoga.isport.com/yoga-guides/how-to-do-childs-pose-in-yoga
ReplyDeleteThe only way I can cure it is to get done what needs to get done. Meditating and stuff works, but then once I realize that I have crap to do still, I get anxious all over again.
ReplyDeleteIf it is really that bad, then I recommend you find a good cognitive behavioural therapist. They will be able to help you determine what is the cause of your anxiety and deal with it on a better level. Breathing can help, but it is only the first step.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of a long, hard run. That never fails to clear my mind and give me fresh eyes to view whatever is stressing me out.
ReplyDeleteMy friend was having trouble with anxiety for a while and a coworker gave her an eye patch (no joke) and told her that wearing it helps you relax because you are able to see less things (literally) and so you focus on less and you are more able to concentrate on breathing. Now, I would really LOVE to see pictures of you going around wearing an eye patch. And........GO!
ReplyDeleteChocolate. All the chocolate. And then just getting stuff done so you can mark it off the list.
ReplyDeleteI chew too much gum for moments that I'm feeling stress and must work. What you need to do (other than get a stress ball or something) is try voodoo and stress someone else out. wait--strike that.
ReplyDeletelike i've said before, break things into steps or parts. make a list and check items off. sooooo satisfying. as far as feeling overwhelmed...depends on what, exactly (whether you want to admit it or not) is stressing you at the deepest level. you must face that.
Everyone has suggested great things... but I find cleaning makes me feel better. That's just my coping mechanism.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what someone said above, though... the best way to feel better is to scratch items off your to-do list. Even if it's just small items, getting something done and out of the way is best!
Have you had a priesthood blessing? One of the great advantages of being Mormon is that a blessing is just a phone call away... or you could hit up Daniel.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and hang in there.
Who knew adulthood would be so full of angst and drama?!?
Walking. Anywhere. Whether it be hiking or just down the road.
ReplyDeleteOr reading old Stranger posts...
Prank Daniel?
ReplyDeleteTai Chi, or really bad reality TV.
ReplyDeleteWell, this is what works for me when my anxiety starts up. I don't use them all every time, but these are some things I've found help me. Deep breathing, take a few minutes of quiet time, give myself pep talks, suck on something (usually peppermint or butterscotch candy), pray for support. As a long term help with my anxiety, I definitely feel better when I regularly exercise, eat well, and sleep well.
ReplyDeleteLook for the biggest thing to do and do it. That bursts the pressure balloon and all the other stuff seems easy because it wasn't that one big scary thing.
ReplyDeleteVisualizing very strong, happy memories. Washing your hands (it's symbolic, and it can trick your brain for a minute). Walking through doorways (it also tricks your brain into thinking whatever thought you previously had is finished, so it moves on to something else). Laughing.
ReplyDeleteand finally, the surefire cure for anxiety: xanax.
Laughter! Why do you think we all read stranger? Seek out what makes you laugh and giggle your anxiety away.
ReplyDeleteRunning cures everything. And when all else fails go to the grocery store and find the longest line and then just start talking. That's what the people in line with me always do.
ReplyDeleteThe 'humor' page on Pinterest usually works for me, and a nice cold IPA :)
ReplyDeleteTry investing in a good punching bag. :)
ReplyDeleteYoga and therapy work for me!
ReplyDeleteAlcohol
ReplyDeleteWeeding....pulling weeds in the garden is very helpful. It's like pulling anxiety's head off with the spine still attached
ReplyDeleteThis...I like this.
DeleteI usually do yoga for an hour, then I feel much more relaxed and my mind is clear enough to get work done.
ReplyDeleteread the 'missed connections' tab in craigslist... now there's some entertaining content.
ReplyDeleteSome one should have got ol' Betty one of these babies
ReplyDeletehttp://io9.com/brilliant-and-bejeweled-prostheses-designed-to-stand-ou-471017214
Well, I usually read Stranger, but, since that probably won't work for you for obvious reasons, I highly suggest looking up Olan Rogers videos on youtube, and LOL'ing forever. Works every time.
ReplyDeleteNothing works for me either, although I usually resort to cleaning. My employees can tell I'm in a nervous state when I start polishing my desk every 5 minutes (you wouldn't believe how many fingerprints it can attract in 5 minutes if you pay attention.)
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I get myself so worked up that i eventually puke. Usually I feel better after that because it can't get much worse than sticking my face somewhere that no face should ever have to be.
I watch Dr. Phil and realize it's really not that bad. I could be that guy. Or that crazy girl. Or I watch videos of people who just got their wisdom teeth out on youtube, it's the most hilarious thing on earth.
ReplyDeletePet a cat.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteLOL
DeleteRunning, then eating chocolate, then taking a nap. Seriously, I always feel so much better after getting some rest. Also, I just take it one task at a time. Don't stress about it all at once.
ReplyDeleteI sing Frank Sinatra. It always helps me the most.
ReplyDeleteBut singing other things works really well, too.
Singing at the top of your lungs. "Oh Baby, Baby, How was I supposed to know........... " etc.
ReplyDeleteMeditation, best thing in the world! For those out there that just have a hard time holding still, try walking meditation. http://www.wildmind.org/walking/overview
ReplyDeleteThis is the best way I have found to help with stress/anxiety and paired with prayer and scripture study...it can't be beat. ;)
I wasn't stressed until I started reading all of these comments. All I can think is "I should really clean, or go for a run, or read a good book or eat some damn chocolate!" Lesson: don't read self-help tips if you don't (currently) need self-help advice.
ReplyDeleteI REALLY love laugh therapy! I saw it on the news once, there were a bunch of people that just got together and laugh. It sounded, and looked, weird but I tried it and it worked! Its scientifically proven that even pretending to smile releases hormones that make you happy. When you laugh, it relaxes you. With more research I found videos and tutorials and now I take time out of my day, everyday no matter what, to laugh (reading stranger usually does the trick :) ) and I am a happier, less-stressed person because of it :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.laughtertherapy.com/laughmor.htm
Also hugging people (supposedly 5 hugs a day for at least 6 seconds) helps you feel happier too.
DeleteI agree on the laughter part. Our office was a three-ring circus today and we all had the giggles at the end of the day. Sometimes there's nothing you can do but laugh. :)
DeleteGo for a body scrub
ReplyDeleteg g git gi git naked!
DeleteWell...I'm a Christian, so I pray. It's a relief to be able to tell stuff to a God who always listens, who doesn't judge me, and who won't reply with pity. He'll also help me through it. Your Mormon, so you can do it too! :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Prayer is great!
DeleteI like to do stuff that doesn't require a lot of thinking but keeps me busy.... like my favorite way to get rid of stress is to serve a volley ball over and over again against a wall, plus its good practice.... running too of course is a natural stress reliever which I know you do from reading :)
ReplyDeleteRunning helps me a lot. Listen to music you love, eat food that you love. Just stop your mind for a minute and think about what YOU really need. Just pick one thing and then go do it, it will help :) Personal compassion is always a good idea!
ReplyDeleteAs a major in psych, seeing a "shrink" as referred to from a person above, is actually beneficial. She claimed it made her anxiety worse. Maybe she wasn't going to the correct kind of "shrink". Simple cognitive therapy could do some good. Aside from that, I suffer from panic/anxiety attacks myself. However, I do not see a therapist. Instead I confide in a friend of mine going to school for the same degree as I am. I run a lot, Eli. It's relaxing in more than one way, I just throw on some of my favorite music and just run until I feel like stopping. And having the friend to talk to helps a ton also. I blog as well, but you've already got that going on ;) But I must say sometimes my disorder gets the best of me and I end up on a ball in my bathroom floor haha! But seriously, that's the worst I've seen, well.. somewhat. But it doesn't get that bad often. Are you still running from work to home? You'll be fine, you have things under control. I have faith =) best of luck and enjoy your tour!!
ReplyDeleteEveryone says you should make a list, so I'm going to help you out an make your list for you
ReplyDelete-pack All of Daniels clothes for you to wear
- pack copy of "Dancing with Cats"
- see if Trixy will fit in checked luggage
-pack snuggie
DONE
---you're welcome
Oh... Trixy is coming with him one way or another!
DeleteIf you're still not doing your laundry, even as an adult, I think you the trade-off is exceptionally terrific for thee. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteGood luck getting everything squared away in the next 48 hours. I like to procrastinate, but somehow I don't think that'll work in this case? Either take a break and listen to this, or else at least have it on in the background as you're doing other stuff. I'm serious, Eli; I'm sending you a link to an AMAZING talk by the one and only Neal A Maxwell. You can thank me later.
Here it is: http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1022
Umm...I'd say bite into some really excellent chocolate, but you don't like chocolate, so...I'm running out of ideas.
Xanax.
ReplyDeleteMake a list of what needs to be done and check off the items as you finish them. Partway through the list eat a giant bowl of ice cream covered in chocolate as a reward.
ReplyDeleteI go run and run and run some more.
ReplyDeleteI am a prosthetic coordinator, which means I do all of the paperwork for people to get their insurance to pay for their prosthetic legs and arms. I love watching my patients get up and walk for the first time after amputation. That is so rewarding. BUT, when the patient happens to have an insurance question while in the exam room and I have to go in and explain I HATE seeing the stumps. I know that is wrong due to my field of work, but it's just not very appealing to look at. That is exactly why I do the paperwork and not the clinical stuff. I'm sorry you had to endure that as a child. I think it explains a lot about you.
ReplyDeleteRead MY blog *wink wink*
ReplyDeleteI actually have anxiety, so I have random things that help me. I doodle to no end, read, write, watch a fun movie, or listen to simple music. For me, it can't be anything too loud or ridiculous; it just needs to be good and simple. When I have stuff that has to get done and I'm stressed or anxious about it, I pace myself and set 'rewards' along the way. So I do some, then watch a TV show. Then I do more while I listen to music. And progressively do something enjoyable with all the painful crap.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, Eli I think you would make a great motivational speaker for high school kids and stuff. That is if the lawfully legal world no longer has a need for your greatness.
ReplyDeleteSecond, find something that makes you feel good. And I mean good, something that just makes you happy. Spend sometime doing what ever that may be and then go back to what you need to do. Sometimes all you need is a little break. For me, I either go driving by myself with the music blasting or I find the closest person that loves me, and I mean really loves me and I have them give me the best hug they can muster up. It doesn't matter if they are a good hugger, just knowing that they love me, that I'm wrapped up in their love, helps a lot. Then of course they are usually willing to help you accomplish whatever was troubling you in the first place.
Third, always remember this quote: "Everything will be ok in the end."
Sorry, there is no cure. For me I have to tell myself to ride it out and expect a lot of sleepless nights. Part of anxiety is feeling anxious about not being able to control being anxious about being anxious! That said, a few things help me get through my bouts. 1. Unplug. No more Facebook! Looking at people's edited lives can make you feel anxious about not having your life in order. It's fake! Turn that business off! 2. Watch the movie "Castaway". It always makes me feel hopeful for some reason. 3. Tell yourself that if the worst happens and you can't find a job and never get married you can always move in with your parents and work at a department store! This will never happen, but it takes the fear out if the unknown. You throw a ( sad) plan into anxieties face! Hope this helps! This too shall pass!
ReplyDeleteI love the comments about drinking, chocolate, and xanax. Such a refreshing change from those about meditation and list-making! I am also a fan of prayer, but drinking, chocolate, and xanax work too! Might I suggest a big slice of chocolate cake along with a dessert wine (or beer, your choice). To cope with the anxiety/guilt to follow, you'll need a xanax! :-) So nice to see you have some "real" followers!
ReplyDeleteIf I can't sleep at night I read to get my mind off of the things I can't stop stressing over, I prefer books that aren't based on reality, so I'm not stressing over the "it could happen to me syndrome" If that doesn't work I say my prayers until I fall asleep, the trick is to focus on the words of the prayer to shut off your brain for a while.
ReplyDeleteFind yourself a wife who can share in your experience and console you.
ReplyDeleteAnd, in all seriousness, having a wife would allow you to be sexually active which is a GREAT (and enjoyable) way to reduce stress.
DeleteGo on a long walk and listen to music so loud that you can't hear your own anxious thoughts? If it's a problem you can fix than write out some ideas on how you can fix/plan for it. I read somewhere ("somewhere" great source I know) that planning actually helps humans relax. If it isn't something that you can fix or plan for than stop worrying so much, it's out of your control.
ReplyDelete