[TryingToMoveForward]

Does anything calm you down?

I feel the most restless and agitated when I'm not doing something. As soon as I get onto a physical activity, it smooths out my mood and makes me less irritable. I still get the hyper high, but I no longer feel impulsive and likes I'm going to jump out of my skin. My heart isn't racing nearly as much either. So I guess it calmed me into a chipper, bubbly mood. Whereas before I felt like ranting and raving and possibly throwing something.

I get hit with this need to DO something. Go somewhere. Socialize and interact with people which is the exact opposite of my social phobic tendencies. I really, really, really wanted to talk to someone tonight to keep me occupied because my brain is jumping around. Not because I'm suffering or struggling, but I'm simply in the mood to be social.

[Altered Moment]

This happens to me a lot. I don't get irritable or have negative mania but I can't sit still, have to be doing something, I talk louder and much more. Have to be social. Totally out of character for me and gets on peoples nerves.

When I notice I am like this I can either find something to do by myself and stay quiet or if I am in a social situation and notice I am talking over people I can force myself to meditate and breath and calm down. As long as I am aware of it I have learned how to use my breathing to calm down. The hard part is being aware of it when I get like that. I forget in about ten minutes and then I am annoying again.

I use aromatherapy. I use a diffuser at home and carry something like Lavender or Peppermint in my hand bag for an on the spot 'cool down' from anxiety or elevated emotions as needed.

I have a few strategies for bringing myself down off the ceiling like my 'anxiety tool box' which are mostly items that evoke all 5 senses.

As for the need to suddenly DO something I can relate very well. I am not working and I have noticed the more my moods become elevated the more bored I become. To keep myself 'interested' and busy I have started writing, pulled out my art supplies, and have even paid more time and attention to cooking. To get myself out of the house (and this was a huge step in battling anxiety) I found a casual volunteer position. Still, there are those times during the day I grow antsy and bored. I notice this leads to a higher incidence of irritation. It is work, yes, but you can win the battle.