Since all this kicked off last year, I have been dealing with an extremely high level of anxiety and stress. I know we all do. And it can really set our healing back. So, I just wanted to create a thread discussing effective coping strategies that some of you have implemented that have been successful.
These strategies have helped me thus far..
Do not worry about what you cannot control - Do what you can to better your situation. But, whatever is out of your control, let it be. No sense in worrying about
what you cannot control.
Designate a specific time to do your worrying - Now, there are things that you can control. And, if you are anything like me, you will definitely worry about
those things... and often. So, this is the approach I have currently taken. My mind usually starts racing when it is time to go to bed. I used to stay up hours on end throughout the night watching TV or doing other things to try and get my mind off all my problems. So, what I do now is when I get into bed and my mind starts racing, I
open up a word document on my phone and make a list of everything that is bothering me. Then, when done, I go over the list and determine what is within my control and what is beyond my control. I discard what is beyond my control. The list of things I can control, I put actions next to them to start taking action one those items the next possible day it can be done. Once I have done this, it is much easier to fall asleep. And I'm usually done with the activity within an hour's time.
Breathing Techniques - When I first heard of this, I thought, "Whatever! I breath all the time. This isn't going to help." But, it definitely does if done properly. Diaphragmatic breathing has helped me alot. This is a list of benefits deep breathing give:
1) Efficient gas exchange –the bottom third of the lungs is where about
two thirds of the gas exchange takes place, so oxygenation is more efficient when you use the diaphragm
2) Less tension and tightness in the neck and shoulders as the muscles here can relax
3) Diaphragmatic breathing rebalances the autonomic nervous system, reducing heart rate and breathing rate and changing from sympathetic fight or flight to parasympathetic calm and relax
4) Diaphragmatic breathing gently “massages” or moves the abdominal organs, aiding digestion and helping lymphatic drainage; much of the lymphatic system is located just below the diaphragm
5) The diaphragm contributes to good posture and core muscle strength, so needs to work properly. In fact overdeveloped abs and sucking the stomach in can hinder proper movement of the diaphragm, and promote upper chest breathing
A video demonstrating the technique:
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgTL5G1ibIoA TEDx Talks video "Breathe to Heal"
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lb5L-VEm34Talk to someone - This has been an issue for me. And this is where this forum has been a tremendous help. My family has been awesome. But, there are times where you need to talk to someone who is going through, or has gone through something similar to what you are going through. Don't hesitate to reach out to people on this forum, myself included. I have found different posters at different times of my journey and checked to see if their email address is available through their profile. Thus far, I have received incredibly positive replies from every member I have emailed. This forum has such a great group of people. And just having that one on one correspondence at times has really halped me through some dark times.
You are not alone! - Always remember this. No matter where you are in your journey, there are people there now; who have been there; some are worse; some are better. Whatever your issue, you are not alone.
Post Edited (Hoagie) : 3/10/2018 5:49:29 PM (GMT-7)