Hello everybody!
I thought I would post about something I've experienced the last couple of days.
I manage my anxiety really pretty well in general with ups and downs here and there.
I have done this with the skills that I have learned through CBT, and the support I find here.
Like I said, some days are good...some are rough, but in general I feel allright.
Thursday was the Walk-a-Thon at my daughter's school. I generally walk with the kids, as I am a volunteer dance/P.E. teacher there, and it helps to motivated them.
This year, I was actually walking for a little girl, one of my daughter's classmates, who has Lupus. She is quite ill, and has missed out on most of the school year's activities. I brought her a pledge sheet, so that she could raise funds, feel a part of the event, and also get prizes. I would simply be her 'legs'.
Well, I ended up walk/jog/running about 12 miles in the alotted two hours...I was moving.
I normally am not much of a runner, but I really wanted to do well for my little partner!
I am no stranger to exercise, so although this was a push for me...I felt no worse for the wear, save some sore muscles.
...but this is where it gets weird.
Like I said, I exercise regularly, but this was more than usual, and something that my body is not accustomed to. I don't run half-marathons everyday!
Well the rest of that afternoon and evening I felt euphoric and absolutely calm without even a trace of anxiety.
Though I manage my anxiety...it is still there and something I have to work at much of the time.
Thursday, there was none. Nada, zip.
It was quite a feeling.
If I did not believe that there was a chemistry anxiety connection (which I do!) I do now.
Those endorphins are powerful!
...and yes, btw, yesterday was a busy, stressful day and guess what was back to bother me? It wasn't horrible...but definitely enough for me to need my breathing exercises.
I am certainly not going to tear my body up doing twelve miles everyday now however, Lol!
...but this is a good reminder that I can try to increase my endorphins in other ways. Also the next time I am feeling anxious/tired/symptomatic...I can remind myself of this incredible experience that gave me such an amazing, euphoric completely anxiety free day!
Thanks for reading,
S.C.