Despite being on a pretty good run with posting last week, I’ve again fallen behind on my writing schedule. It’s been a little difficult to sit and concentrate on writing a full post. I’ve so many posts on the way but I just couldn’t concentrate on finishing any over the past few days. Instead of falling behind on my posting I decided to write about why I haven’t been able to be very productive the last few days – anxiety!
Anxiety has been an unwelcome companion over the past year or so. I believe anxiety kicked in because of my issues with my work life over the past few years. I wasn’t really enjoying my job and it bothered me that I wasn’t performing to my best ability. I am the kind of person who used to enjoy planning my entire life to the T. But I was just floating around the past few years which became a trigger for anxiety about my future and goals. Add to this I got assigned to really bad manager at work and I was a wreck. I finally decided to change career paths and left my job in the beginning of this year. It was so relieving and for a few months my unwanted companion (anxiety) let me be.
But with all the changes in the world (argh Coronavirus) as well as me moving cities and switching careers, I’ve felt anxiety slowly creep back in mainly in the form of fear of failure. Its the worst feeling ever when it creeps up on you just like an unwelcome guest from out of nowhere. If I’m glad of something it is that I’m dealing with this at a time when people are more receptive about mental health issues and getting help in India. For the longest time all mental health issues were hushed up and swept under the carpet in India. Its nice to see people opening their minds and being kind about such issues.
Here are some things I follow that help me calm my anxiety –
- Breathing exercises (you can google and find exercises that work for you/ask your therapist)
- Drinking a warm beverage (even if it’s just warm water)
- Watching an re-run episode of my favourite shows
- Talking a walk/working out
- Talking to a friend/loved one
- Writing down how I’m feeling
- Listening to music with my eyes closed
- Staying away from all social media
- Reading something light/short story
- Understanding what is triggering my anxiety and making a plan to handle the trigger
How do you handle your stress and anxiety? How are you doing these days? Hope wherever you are, you’re doing well! ā„ļø
Take care! XOXO!
Happy Panda 
Thank you for sharing this.
A few years ago I was stuck in a job that made my mental health deteriorate dramatically. I had no choice but to stay there for a year and it was the worst year of my life. It taught me a lot though, and I would never have got to where I am now without that stage in my life.
As you are going through this now, my advice is that even though it might seem like it wont ever get better, it does. Healing and recovering from things take time.
My main advice is actually one of your points, find out what’s triggering it and fix it. I am so much more incredibly happy with life now I did that.
Always here if you need a person to talk to
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your kind words.
That experience did teach me a lot. I know what is non-negotiable for me work wise now.
I think that’s the most important part – finding what triggers the anxiety and fix it. Sometimes its the small things which are easily fixable, its the big things that take time and keep manifesting as anxiety.
Thank you for being there! ā¤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was a very sporadic writer and still can be. When my Dad was poorly with the Big V, earlier this year (he died, sadly) I embarked on an abundance 21-day Challenge and chose to write a Haiku every day. They are short, simple, and uplifting. For me, it feels like I have completed something I can cross off my list. Done! Such a positive feeling – you may too find this helps? X
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hope his soul rests in peace. ā¤
Yes, someone did tell me about Haiku. I'll definitely try it out. Thank you for your advice! š
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am also facing this anxiety problem and today I forced myself to write a post. I just don’t feel like doing anything. But sending you a lots of positivity. Everything will be fine ššš
LikeLiked by 2 people
I totally get it. Some days are just rough. Hope you’re feeling better! Take care! And drop a message if you ever need anyone to talk to. š ā¤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you are doing well. It okay to take break away from blogging and focus on your mental and physical well being. Before covid19 I would deal with stress and anxiety by going to the gym and taking walks downtown. Now am being cautious and avoiding those things just cause I don’t want to risk getting sick and getting family sick. So now I deal with my stress and anxiety doing art and taking short walk in the neighborhood. I also keep a journal, just writing what going on personally and whatever else come to mind. Take care:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your kind words! Means so much!
Yes, exercise & journal keeping helps me too but some days are just so bad that it brings me down completely and I’m unable to do either.
Take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a toughie because everyone deals with it differently and reacts to stress and anxiety differently as well. Sorry it’s been challenging. You undertook a big change COVID or not, so congratulations on making a move during a pandemic!
My friend Audra has anxiety problems but she’s getting them under control. Here’s her blog post on a book she likes: https://audraedmonson.com/2020/05/30/the-best-book-for-anxiety-and-panic-attacks/
She also told me lately that she’s been doing the exercises in Miracle Mornings by Hal Elrod and she feels fantastic.
Take good care, don’t forget to love yourself and be kind and gentle. 2020 is forcing a lot of us to be patient and go within. xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words, Lani! Really means a lot. It’s been a whirlwind few months. Hoping it gets better soon!
I’m definitely going to check out her blog and the exercises by Hal Elrod.
XOXO!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Add chocolates. The best medicine I feel for stress or anxiety. Hugs.
These are some very important points. Take your time and relax. Hey and fresh flowers. If you have a garden then do visit without any footwear. Its an amazing feeling. š
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for the advice! Being out in the nature definitely helps. I try to spend sunset in our house garden. Stay safe! Take care. ā„ļø
LikeLiked by 2 people
You too stay safe and take care š š
LikeLiked by 1 person
great post.I have been struggling with the same issue and wanted to start writing to deal with work life anxiety, hopefully I would start too. It’s strange yet comforting to know I am not alone battling this issue right now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Writing about it and talking to other people who understand what you’re going through – really helps!
I hope things look up at the work front soon! š
LikeLiked by 1 person