Community Chat

[jaxs mom]

General in the moment coping stategies for anxiety include,

meditation

talking it out

take pen to paper and write whatever comes to mind, don't think about it or try to make it coherent, just write whatever comes up

repetitive prayer or mantras

listen to music

pet an animal

exercise

take a bath or shower and visualize all the negative thoughts and feelings draining away

distraction, watch a funny movie for example or occupy yourself with a craft

ETA beathing exercises can help in the moment also, especially if it's reaching panic attack level. It may not help intrusive thoughts though. 

[jeanlake]

Good advice given. I'm sorry about your anxiety challenges. It can be ruthless. There's many ebbs and flows in my life. When the easy, breezy times subside, I have coping skills in place. Reading, listening to audio books in car on drive to work, walking the labyrinth and meditative talking/listening, time with friends who know how to share thoughts, exercise, long drives with favorite music, sleep, stay up late and watch movies, sit on deck and look at nature, plan vacations in my head and maybe even travel a bit, pray, chill, have hopeful thoughts. Carry on.          

[jpie]

Gardening, yardwork, baking (usually muffins for some strange reason), and weight lifting/cardio.

Also, if I am not in the mood for any of these, I find an abstract acrylic painting I like on Pinterest, and then spend a few days, creating, painting, evaluating, and perfecting a 22 by 26 " canvas painting.

I just finished this one a couple of weeks ago:

[Ms tyrion2]

I tend to get "into my head" too much sometimes. Exercise with an I Pod blasting helps me re-focus. Reading also helps me. I get caught up in someone else's thoughts.

[SisterGoldenHair]

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@jackthebear wrote:

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@newjersey wrote:

I take medicine for anxiety but still at times feel restless - like I can't find anything to take away these feelings? Does anyone else feel this way, and if so, do you have any suggestions? I do keep busy, but still......

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I'd say some meds but 

have you tried exercise?  it is really good for your head

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@jackthebear@newjerseyI agree 100%. There is nothing like taking a walk and getting fresh air.

[FrostyBabe1]

Go for a run, bike ride, walk or swim. It changes my focus entirely. 

[OnlyShopsOnline]

I look for a good, non-stressful movie to watch.  I love to sew but can't concentrate on anything like that if my mind is racing.

[Stormygirl]

Hugs you are not alone @newjersey..sometimes I feel like I am going to jump out of my own skin when the pain gets so bad. I have been getting into Meditation and deep breathing since deciding to get off of all anti-anxiety meds ie benzos (Xanax, Diezapam etc) I find for me meditation works better to balance my thoughts, does not sedate me when there is nothing that can be done to lessen the pain. (physically and mentally) I hope you feel better. xxxxx Stormy

[feline groovy]

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@Preds wrote:

I try to let the thoughts run.  They may take off in different directions and that's when I try to refocus.  Is that even a word?  LOL  My thoughts wander all over the place.  I think they always have.   

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@Preds

This is how meditation is taught.  8)

[febe1]

I don't know if what you mean is about what I call "mind chatter"? If you have this, it's a real bummer. I had it and it was circular thoughts over and over and over.

For this, I simply made up my mind to stop it myself. Every time it began, I stopped it and would usually do some walking or running. I stopped it continuously (a big job) and it finally stopped with no help from me.

When you do something physical, sort of wearing yourself out, it helps many things.