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Tell me to calm down..

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Posted 11/25/2016 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Ok guys so I started a new job a couple months ago that is very physical labor involved. My previous job was not and I had gained quite a bit of weight...I weighed myself today and immediately freaked out. I have lost about 10 lbs. I knew my pants weren't as tight as usual but didn't think about it. Now I'm losing my mind thinking something is wrong with me..lol..if I could believe my rational mind that tells me you are doing a much more labor intense job and that's why but that part of my brain that goes straight to freak out mode thinks I'm dying!
I just had a complete physical and tons of blood work in August so I know I'm perfectly fine but my darn brain is telling me otherwise. Why oh why does anxiety always get the best of me?
Posted 11/25/2016 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
It gets to the best of us unfortunately . But we tend to focus in the negative and let's look at the positive in your post. You are being more active which is a good thing right?
Weight loss may or may not be a bonus for you but being active is good for everyone!
I understand it's a constant struggle but if we try to see more positive sides it may help. And startin to believe our doctors when are tests come back clean and clear.
Hang in there ☺
Posted 11/25/2016 7:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi megan
What are we like? you are not alone in this .... Thankfully you know your rational mind realises the extra physical activity is contributing to the weight loss...
The battle like you say is not to let the anxiety part creep in and tell you otherwise.

You know all was well from your physical and blood works so maybe going through that in your mind regularly for a couple of days may help.. like an affirmative mantra.
Make your own up that is easy to remember and repeat in your head when the intrusive thoughts come.
Something like ... I am well . I am healthy, I am calm..
dont think im mad lol, just a thought as it really works for me.. you can but try

Good luck and i hope you are enjoying your new job xx
Posted 11/25/2016 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Megan,

Congratulations on your new job! That is great...and it seems to have an added benefit...

...at least to most people it would be...but for one with health anxiety, not so much, huh?

I understand your concern, but this is a clear cause and effect case. You are expending more energy at 8 hr. intervals a day...and that adds up!

You are no doubt going to balance out with time. Your appetite and metabolism will go back to what they are normally. You may still be a few pounds less, but that's what the holidays are for, right? ;p

Peace and progress,

S.C.
Posted 11/25/2016 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Megan,

Congrats on the new job-- how exciting! Your post resonated with me a lot. I went on a yoga cleanse and started eating healthy to lose weight, and then when I started to lose weight, I got scared because I was losing weight. Lol. It seems like we can never win.

I agree with SC-- this is a definite cause and effect. Labor intensive work will shed pounds for sure. Your body will regulate and get used to the labor.
Posted 11/26/2016 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all...thanks for the replies and reassurance but I have really got myself worked up. I started looking at every little thing on my body and can swear I feel bones!! Lol..
Anyhow I got myself so scared I woke up this morning throwing up and couldn't even go to work. This is ridiculous and all I keep thinking now is I'm gonna go right back to the way I was when I first posted here. Please I don't wanna be like that again.
My girlfriend keeps telling me I'm being silly and that I am fine but when you have anxiety it's hard to believe it.
Oh well..it is what it is.
4 am comes early. I'm off to try and get some sleep.
Thanks for the replies..hope I make it through the day tomorrow.
Posted 11/26/2016 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
M.,

It is hard to over ride the anxious thinking, but it can be done.

If I can suggest going through the health anxiety self help material, as well as the Positive Mantras/Affirmations link...both in the Resources.

Even if you've done them before...go through them again. Anxiety attempting to return...needs a return to self help practices!! ;)

You will be alright...keep posting!

S.C.
Posted 11/26/2016 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Megan 77
I think we all have the fear of having a relapse..It can be hard to remember to do the coping skills we use when in an anxious state. Because it feels great to be anxiety free.
I think because it feels so good to be able to do the things that we have been too scared and unwell to do we can take our eye off the ball.

I have to remind myself to still do morning and night relaxation tips, a bit of guided meditation etc: still eat well and look after myself properly I had a near miss today , I had mild panic come over me whilst having lunch out with my grandsons(which i had missed while anxiety was severe) I could feel it coming on and it threw me for a minute.... I thought darn ive forgot what to do.... i managed to get it back under control with my fav mantra .. I am calm, i am strong, i can do this.... but it made me realise yes ive been well but id taken my eye off the ball.

So note at the side of bed now .... Do Coping skills am and Pm.... I had promised myself that i would continue even though i felt ok... So im cross withmyself now. lol.

Any way like you say it is was it is.

Keep up the good work, now that your job is more physical and demanding you may need to increase your calorie intake to balance it out... To ensure you are as well as possible body and mind. xx

Put a couple of snacks in your pocket for mid morning and afternoon to keep your energy levels up... It may help
xx
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