How I used PC to help calm myself down

I was exhausted, the coffee I'd drunk was stronger than expected, and I was getting too anxious over moderating a forum elsewhere. Plus my neighbor is in crisis, often, and I can't help her. And then there was the news of more school violence.

I was in spaced out anxiety land for awhile and then slowly realized what was going on. I could hear my inner self talk starting to wind up and make things worse. So I told myself: "I'll get through this just fine, I have before. I'll get through this and write a post for psychcentral on it afterwards.".

So I held onto those thoughts. I also turned down lights, turned off the television, and stopped reading upsetting stuff online. I closed my blinds to diminish a tendency to be hypervigilant when anxious. I drank some water and ate some good food.

I took a leisurely warm bath. I reminded myself to relax, let things be simple, and to breathe.

I reminded myself that I didn't have to make any decisions or do anything strenuous right then, I had the night ahead of me and could relax. Found a good book and settled in with that til I went to sleep.

In the morning I was calmer, felt like I'd been through a wood chipper, but also that I'd done a good job of self-care. I get to take a break from disturbing news and web interactions.

Knowing that I was going to write up this post helped me stay on track.

appreciated your post

(((((CedarS)))))

Wow, what an inspiring post, thanks so much for sharing. I admire your ability to stay on track and look forward! Congratulations on being focused, got any secrets for those of us having a difficult time with that task?

Dee

What helps me to stay (or at least return to) on task is practice, practice, practice. I see it as a form of habit building.

Also, and this took years and years plus I still work on it, I have to really know that I'm worth it. I deserve good things. It is okay for me to find some sense of balance.

Helps me to notice when my anxiety is growing and then tell myself soothing things. Including to keep it simple.

Sometimes helps to think of my mental health challenges as if they were physical. So being really anxious might be like having two broken legs, a cut on my shoulder, and whatever else, all needs time to heal. Physical stuff is visible and we can all go "Oh yeah, she needs to rest up. This isn't the time to take on any new battles.".

I wouldn't feel guilty or fuss about resting up with physical injuries. I try to apply this to what I need for emotional and mental stuff too.

Thanks! Helped me a lot to write it.