Yesterday, after a day of working with very anxious people and feeling anxious myself about the U.S. midterm elections next month and some ongoing health challenges, I asked this question on Twitter:
I’ve noticed in group therapy that naming how anxious you are can help in several ways, including eliciting people’s strategies for reducing anxiety, like the 4-7-8 breathing method.
When I’m anxious, I often think of this quote, which helps me feel less anxious about being anxious:
“If you’re not anxious, you’re not paying attention.
— Unknown
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Here’s what I find when I search for other anxious quotes:
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Let’s see if any of my other images for today relate to being anxious.
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Among other things, “Russian roulette” is making me anxious, so maybe I’ll refocus on National Do Something Nice Day.
And honestly, I’m a little anxious about working on Yom Kippur, but that’s my choice these days.
Here’s what I find on YouTube when I search for “anxious.”
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Thanks to all who helped me create this “anxious” blog post, including YOU.
I remember quite clearly in my Wayback Machine, Ann, my college course Controlling Stress and Tension heralded the Deep Breathing method for getting yourself back to a normal plane. It’s helped me since. The 4-7-8 technique seems to be a more advanced, precise version. Thanks for sharing, my friend.
Thank YOU for sharing, my friend.
love the deep breathing and try to practice this with my class, trying to give them as many tools in their belt as I can. when anxiety knocks on my door, I try not to answer, but at times it is bossy and just pushes it’s way in. I quickly try to lead it out the other door.
Love all the things you practice, beth.
I get anxious before I have to do a lot of things, and, most of the time, they turn out not to be so bad. The feeling of relief can be almost as overwhelming as the anxiety—so much so I sometimes think I’d be better off without both.
I can relate, my friend, and I feel less anxious when I decide to enjoy that roller coaster ride.
Anxiety seems a little insidious these days. I can be enjoying life one minute and anxiety sneaks in and we indulge in a little boxing match. The more I retreat from news cycle and social media messaging the better I do. 🙂
You’re not alone, my friend!