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Self Help Techniques x

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Upset mum

Member since
June 2020

2504 posts

Morning lovely ladies x

Felicity's post on Friday check in got me thinking about how you all deal with managing your anxiety levels,

Other than seeking support from the professionals , what do you do?

I know Ocean has done a lot work around self discovery

I have started reading again, I find getting in to a good read helps me switch off, and of course when I have the furbaby going for walks ,its just so calming thinking of nothing just taking the countryside in and chatting to other people I meet when we are out xx

Any suggestions would be really appreciated

Happy Saturday xx

Posted Sat July 13, 2024 11:28amReport post

Chelsea 1

Member since
June 2021

913 posts

Hiya Upsetmum.



My normal self help and refresh is drinking lots of tea and either just putting my phone in the draw and getting a good book out.

Plus as we live 2 minutes from the countryside weather permitting going on lovely walks and just enjoying the weather.

xx

Posted Sat July 13, 2024 11:52amReport post

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2750 posts

I find time in the garden, pottering - clipping, tidying, mowing, planting gives me solice plus a sense of achievement - being outside is wonderful.

Also swimming. The sound of the lapping water around me and the freedom of movement it gives my body, no aches - no pains, no stresses or strains and time to be alone and no expectation in having to engage in conversation.

When I think about it - time alone, for me, seems to be the key to relaxation and escapism.

Posted Sat July 13, 2024 4:11pm
Edited Sat July 13, 2024 4:17pmReport post

Ocean

Member since
September 2023

980 posts

What a great thread.

I find Kundalini yoga which focuses on breath work and energy helps calm my mind. This link shows you what it's about as I'm very aware this isn't for everyone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DO_GgchYPA

I've also learned to recognise my 'inner critic'. Our inner critic passes judgement accompanied with negative feelings. It's like that little person sitting on our shoulder telling us 'we can't do things' that 'we're not good enough' that 'it's our fault' our inner critic negatively evaluates our actions and plans.

I've also found being able to talk openly about my anxieties and concerns helps me. I used to think that if I could block the anxieties out they would eventually go away but I now realise that doesn't work for me. I need to acknowledge my anxieties, decide if they are something I can do anything about (practical) and put a plan of action together to deal with whatever it is that is causing me anxiety. If I can't do anything about my anxiety (hypothetical) I allow myself to have 15 minutes worry time and then do some breathing exercises to release them.

If my anxieties are really troubling me I'll practice mindfulness whilst going for a walk either in the county side or along the beach.

I'm learning to let go of people who either negatively impact me or who no longer serve me purpose (I'm still working on letting go of one person though).

I'm still taking medication to help me and have stopped worrying about it. I've cut down but now accept that if I need to take it long term to help me feel content then that's what I'll do.

I've also learned that I'll probably never be free of anxiety but that it's ok because I now have the tools to deal with it. I may at times find I'm struggling but I now know that I can recover from this and get myself to a place that I can manage to function again.

Posted Sat July 13, 2024 6:01pmReport post

Dawn19

Member since
June 2023

166 posts

Hi

I also like to read a good book to switch off. On a Saturday morning, when I drop my daughter off at her drama class, I go for a cappuccino and a toasted teacakes, and read my book. I always go to the same place, and this morning they remembered what I have. You know you've become a regular when they know what you want before you order lol. I also have a bath every Saturday evening, unless we are having a heat wave and it's too hot for a bath. I take a cup of tea and my book while I'm in the bath.

Like Ocean, I have also let go of people who are not good for my mental health, included someone I considered a friend for 30+ years. The school holidays are coming up and even though I've not spoken to her for a couple of years, I don't miss stressing out and being the one always trying to meet up and then getting disappointed when it doesn't happen.

Posted Sat July 13, 2024 7:07pmReport post

Upset mum

Member since
June 2020

2504 posts

Some fantastic ideas Ladies x

Thank you for sharing xx

Posted Sun July 14, 2024 2:32pmReport post

CM1256

Member since
December 2021

45 posts

Hi Upset Mum,



If you have a garden and have something in it that needs attention get stuck in. When the knock came for us we had just had a lot trees removed from our garden. A lot of smaller roots neeed to be removed and a bed created. I got stuck in with a fork and spade. When I look at it now I can see the fruits of my shock, anger, sadness. I also started knitting squares for a blanket which I hope to give to a women's charity locally for someone who might be vulnerable. If I ever get it finished!

2 years8 months later and still know word back from the police. A whole lot more gardening to do

Posted Mon July 15, 2024 8:13pmReport post

Seaside

Member since
July 2022

581 posts

Thanks for all the suggestions and of course to Upset for introducing this topic.

I have found yoga to be a great help as it literally gives me a breathing space away from everything.

I also enjoy reading and painting and have just started wild swimming which I'm really enjoying .

In the early days following the knock I found that lobbing glass bottles into the recycling bin was a great way of releasing anger ????.

Posted Mon July 15, 2024 8:51pmReport post

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2750 posts

Oh yes Seaside - releasing the anger that's another one!

I sobbed and punched my pillow many a time!!!!

locked up in thoughts of "why"!!!!!!!

Posted Tue July 16, 2024 4:07am
Edited Tue July 16, 2024 4:08amReport post

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