Once the Snow falls, mindfulness

It's been snowing most of the afternoon, and winter driving brings more anxiety. I was doing okay until after I got back home. at least for today.I hate winter driving, and what I hate more is the fact that I have to travel for work.

After group today, I've thought about actually working on mindfulness, but at the same time, there's guilt associated with actually doing things for me. also the fact that my pdoc said to look into mindfulness, but I just don't see the point.

does anyone practice mindfulness? does it work? any tips for getting started?

I think.... mindfulness is being aware of the moment you are in and not thinking about the future or past just then.

Hmm since I suffer from winter depression too, I have to admit I can't see a link myself between winter driving and mindfulness. However... since I am mindful that grey days make lots of people feel low, maybe you could use that mindfulness to create a bright room you can cheer yourself in? A fire, maybe? Some hot coffee or soup... favourite music, good book... just sit and take in a moment being mindful of some good things?

And as for the guilt... well, it need not be for hours. Just long enough to drink a drink or listen to one cd or for a time period you set. After all, it is for your health. No need to feel guilty about that

I can certainly relate to not being too fond of Winter driving! I actually turn my radio up and sing as loud as I can while I'm driving in it. It sounds strange I know, but it does take some of the edge off my anxiety. No one wants to drive behind me when the roads are snow-covered. I move at a snails pace, then they pass me and all they can see is my singing like a fool LOL. As far as feeling guilty about doing things for yourself, remember that in helping yourself you also help those that care about you.

One other thing I should have mentioned... with my job, I have to be a passenger, and that even brings on high anxiety... oh wait I only found that out, this morning.

So anxiety is still high, lots of winter driving in my area, I had to call out because of high anxiety levels. Can't seem to get it lower... or the guilt about calling out. I know I'm doing the right thing, by not going to work, but AGGG. And then it gets really warm in my place because of my neighbors.

I did look up mindfulness, but I just don't know where to even start. Any ideas??? I just don't know how to care enough to know where to start, or even to just do much of anything that could help.

My T and I were talking about mindfulness, and she let me borrow a book called One Minute Mindfulness by Donald Altman. I just started reading it. It is basically a bunch of mindfulness practices. I have only read the first two, but I haven't tried it yet.

Got a call from my boss, asking me to drive, and there would be ICE on the roadways... I had to say no, I just can't face that type of driving... AHHHH. So now the trick, of trying to get the anxiety down, enough to deal with life.

mindfulness training may have to wait, even if it's not the smartest idea. Unless I involve my T

I have to say I still don't see how one can practise mindfulness on winter roads. Good on you for realising a dangerous situation and being strong enough to say no. Of course you are anxious, but being anxious at home has got to be better than driving on icy roads being anxious on every corner and possibly having an accident. Hopefully your boss realises you were only being sensible; he probably should not have asked you to come in on a day like this anyway.

Forget mindfulness for now ... just practise some relaxation and calming. You did right.

I ended up working last night, and at least I didn't have to drive all the way up to where we were working. and I'm not working on mindfulness while driving.

And to add more stress, the semester starts tomorrow. I"m a little scared because I don't know if I can actually focus and have the motivation to study. And then add a few work days on to everything.

I want to just scream and find a way to get rid of the anxiety and stress.

Ahh.... a fellow student! What are you studying?

Psycholgy

An interesting subject but pretty intense. Is it helping you to understand yourself more? Or is it just plain weird and screwy

Somewhat.