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Dealing with anxiety when in a sedentary situation

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Posted 9/24/2014 11:57 AM (GMT 0)
I am a teacher. Today I am showing videos all day to my students. With my anxiety, all i want to do is walk. I can take a short walk at lunchtime. I have typing to do, coloring pages to do, deep breathing, any other ideas of how to control my anxiety during the day while having to sit still. I am having the students stand up and stretch to music at the beginning of each class.
Posted 9/24/2014 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
If you're seated in a chair, you can do progressive muscle relaxation. I know that's usually done when you're laying flat down, but hey, we take what we can get, eh?

No one has to even know you're doing it. No one can tell. If you're in a position to get away with it, perhaps earbuds with only one bud in your ear so you can listen to calming music.

Puzzles are excellent distracting tools.

And good for you!! To have your students get out of their chairs and stand up and stretch. (That's probably some of the most movements kids get now-a-days!) Excellent idea and great way to think outside the box!





M.
Posted 9/24/2014 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
I am the "dancer" substitute teacher. They know that I get them to dance once in a while when we have all been sitting too long. The other teachers don't mind as long as I keep the music low and don't do it for too long. 2 classes down, three to go.

I like the idea of progressive muscle relaxation. I will try that. I cannot listen to music however.
Posted 9/24/2014 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
C.D.

How about isometric exercises? Contracting and sustaining muscle intensity is not as ideal as kinetic/aerobic exercise...but it is better than sitting still. (and this pairs really well with PMR!)

I do this in the movie theater, plane/car trips, as sitting still in one place for too long makes me restless as well!

Hope your day is peaceful and blessed...keep up the good work!

S.C.
Posted 9/24/2014 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
all good ideas. I took a ten minute walk at lunch. The kids are arriving!
Posted 9/24/2014 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Funny you brought this up bc I'm having the same issues today. I was trying to sit at the computer updating my resume and I was too antsy. I kinda feel that adrenaline rush feeling like I drank too much coffee but I haven't had any!

I feel tense & I haven't been walking like I used to. Im going to take it as a sign to get moving.

Just hate the feeling though, I empathize! I took a xanax. There are some days I haven't been so of course now I'm dealing with feeling bad I had to take one, GRR


Hang in there. Lunchtime is near and then home before you know it. I'm proud of you for getting back to work.

Hugs,
Lisa
Posted 9/24/2014 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
I took half a Lorazepan but I am not sure that it did anything. I am going to go the weekends without taking any benzos and see how that goes. i am still waiting for the Paxil/Lamictal to do its thing. This weekend will be one month. The side effects are gone and the big panic attacks are gone. making progress but, yes, I feel like i had 3 pots of coffee when I had 1/2 cup of decaf this morning. I have an after school club but that keeps me so busy that I feel fine. Then counseling for an hour. Lots to talk about. Then home. I am planning a very relaxing weekend that gives me a focus for the future. Part of my anxiety is from my relationship with my partner. I have the opportunity to house sit with my dog for a few nights. I think the separation will be helpful and I don't care if he gets upset about it. He goes away to work for one week every month and leaves me to take care of everything. He can survive a few nights on his own.
Posted 9/24/2014 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
If you have access to a large exercise ball, sit on it at your desk. It is a great way to keep active while sitting. I wish I had one now. They are used in school for kids with ADD who cannot sit still.
Posted 9/24/2014 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Boing, boing, boing... tongue

Great idea!! I forgot about this...I am gonna get one!

S.C.
Posted 9/24/2014 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Even if you don't go boing, it works your core while you are attempting to stay vertical on the ball. I wish I had one right now.
Posted 9/24/2014 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah...but knowing myself...I would be going boing!! ;p

I used to have one...and don't know what happened to it. I have some at my studio...but I really need my own again for at home.:)

...to the sporting good store! ;)

S.C.
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