Anti-Stress?

[JayJay 4]

Ok, as some of you know I've been getting to the end of my rope recently regarding stress, and yesterday as Daisy pointed out, it really did feel like I was having a full blown anxiety attack. For hours. Which is so unlike me - I can take a whole lot before cracking up like I did yesterday.

I'm wondering if anyone has anti stress/anxiety-busting tips so that I might be able to calm down enough to get through to a time when we can move finally. Anything would be good, even if it's just a little trick - can't have another day like yesterday because it felt like I couldn't concentrate on anything at all - a bit like I was out of my body.... (weird, I know!)

I have so much stuff to do (learning new job, driving, taxes, taking care of Ben, painting...ie. my other job) and I'm just so...bleh.

[MaryandMian 1]

Jay Jay,

I can relate to how your feeling. When Johnny died I had two kids, no family to help, and everything upside down. My asthma kicked in but I could not cry since kids would be upset. I finally got to when I was overwhelmed I would get away from the house. It was a short drive to the park and I took a brisk walk around the track or if my breathing was too much labored I just got out of home. It was to go to dollar store to buy a few 1.00 items, or to get an ice cream with the kids, just to go and sit and think somewhere else.

The break was always short but it helped me to revive and if I was in position I could not get away I would go to the bedroom, close door, turn off the lights, and take a few calming deep breaths. Light a scented candle and turn on some favorite music for like 30 minutes. These things worked for me and will be thinking of you during these trying days.

Hugs,

Mary

Edited February 10, 2006 by mianishqsrose

[maya62 7]

The single thing that has made the most difference to me is learning how to meditate and watch my mind at play with all of the stories I tell myself and needless worry. It can actually be amusing at times.

Maya

[Dixie_Peach 1]

Jay Jay,

I can relate to how your feeling. When Johnny died I had two kids, no family to help, and everything upside down. My asthma kicked in but I could not cry since kids would be upset. I finally got to when I was overwhelmed I would get away from the house. It was a short drive to the park and I took a brisk walk around the track or if my breathing was too much labored I just got out of home. It was to go to dollar store to buy a few 1.00 items, or to get an ice cream with the kids, just to go and sit and think somewhere else.

The break was always short but it helped me to revive and if I was in position I could not get away I would go to the bedroom, close door, turn off the lights, and take a few calming deep breaths. Light a scented candle and turn on some favorite music for like 30 minutes. These things worked for me and will be thinking of you during these trying days.

Hugs,

Mary

JayJay

God bless you!!! I'm sorry to hear that you are having so much worry that it is creating anxiety. Mary's advise is very good! I do the same thing... go walking... candle-lit bubble baths (with chocolate to nibble on.. hehe). Also, my son will engage me in video games to make me laff... or backgammon or chess... tries to get my mind off of things. I also will cross-stich or work with my flowers... releases the tension... and even read my Bible, and will go visit the elderly and home-bound of my church... just to get out of the house! Not sure if any of that will work for you... but you get the idea...

From your post yesterday, I kinda got the thought that your mother-in-law was not very tactful... and not very nice. Not sure if that is true or not... I sure hope not! You need all of the support you can get right now! Here's hoping that you can make new friends (solid friends, NOT fly-by-night friends), go to the Library or something...

Anyways, I AM wishing you all the best. You seem to be a loving person, and I'm sorry that circumstances have brought you down (albeit momentarily). Praying for ya! God bless! Lynne

*huuuuuuuuuuuuuge hugsssssssssss*

[arwensun1965 1]

Hugs Jay... like mary I also do the walk thing, it helps to clear the mind. Also go and read a good book once you get into it the worrys just go away (for a time anyway) We all get days like the one's you are having and sometimes all it takes is a hug from the one we love.

Janice

[Traviesa 0]

The best thing I've found to get your mind off something is to totally focus it on something else. I don't know if you like Sudoku puzzles but they require just enough of your focus and attention to get your mind off whatever is bothering you. By the time you quit playing (beware-they're addictive!) you will be much calmer and you will have an easier time focusing your thoughts. Unfortunately, relaxation techniques don't work for everyone because you're still left with your thoughts. It's hard to just turn those off. If you're anything like me, you need a distraction-something to capture your attention for a little while and switch off all the alarms going off in your mind. Good luck!

[pax 0]

Book + bathtub = relaxation. Give it a shot. And feel better!

[britbird 4]

I too can relate.

Exercise is a really good thing to do...expecially if you are at a class and being yelled at by instructors, that always makes me feel better. Exercise will get rid of the adrenaline etc that is causing you to be stressed out and anxious. It's also, if you go to a class, a good way to meet people.

Alternatively yoga might be fun for you. See if there is a YWCA near you, they usually have cheaper classes etc.

My mum is a great believer in the 'if something crappy happens go out and treat yourself to something' idea...even if that's just a starbucks coffee and piece of cake.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Sorry. Nothing legal.

[Fuzzness 2]

I've got a good stress buster. Take a plastic bottle, and glue a picture of your least favourite football team, or sports team, or even someone you really dislike, on it. Take some liquid nitrogen and pour it inside. Then shake it up for one second and throw it as far as you can.

Oh yeah, one last thing, wear a bomb suit while doing this

[Sharon 1]

An orgasm is always great stress relief.

[Mand 1]

I have so much stuff to do (learning new job, driving, taxes, taking care of Ben, painting...ie. my other job) and I'm just so...bleh.

Remember you're only 1 person with only 2 hands. You can't do everything at one...I know, I've tried before and nothing gets done right. I like to get things done yesterday and have little patience with myself if they're not done right and end up getting stressed, upset, angry etc. But I try my best to prioritize, which helps a lot.

Learning New Job: Do within the hours and confines of work, don't bring it home

Driving: Give yourself 10 mins a day or every second day...just up and down some quiet housing

developement street to get used to the size and feel of the car.

Taxes: You've gotten a good handle on them from reading yeasterday's post...and politely tell

your MIL that you've done the research required and know what you're talking about.

She has to realize that she's dealing with an adult.

Painting: If you think of this as a job, you'll end up resenting it. Don't let that happen

I hope things don't get too crazy there and ye get out and into your own place fairly lively

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I've got a good stress buster. Take a plastic bottle, and glue a picture of your least favourite football team, or sports team, or even someone you really dislike, on it. Take some liquid nitrogen and pour it inside. Then shake it up for one second and throw it as far as you can.

Oh yeah, one last thing, wear a bomb suit while doing this

You can actually use Mentos (the freshmaker) and diet coke to make a great explosion.

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000109

[munchkins 0]

JayJay, so terribly sorry to read this, haven't managed to catch up on your post of yesterday but I agree with all here, if you can get out of the house for a good walk, running or some other form of exercise, get your self out of breath and in the fresh air. relaxing baths etc plus a good cuddle with your hubby.

If you really do feel like it is going to be an anxiety attack, a friend of mine suffers with them and always carry's a small brown paper bag that she can cup over her mouth and breath deeply into, believe me it work's but funny thing is it has got to be brown. Must be something in the make up of the paper.

Which ever way use do decide to try and combat this, loads and loads of hugs to help you on the way

[lostinlove228 0]

Going into a room and just screaming works for me. It lets out all that pent up frustration.