Having gone through this program a few times, I've always struggled with these 6 steps in order to overcome an anxiety attack and I just realized something today which I would like to share with you all.
It is important to distract yourself from the anxiety or rather to use the energy you get from the anxiety (keep in mind an anxiety/panic attack does activate an adrenaline response), actually helps to alleviate anxiety.
I recently joined a gym and bought myself one of those clip on mp3 players and put alot of motivating songs on it (mostly battle type videogame music because I spent many many years obsessed with videogames) and I put the energy towards exercising. I definately have to say that my anxiety is alot less than usual and It has given me confidence just to know that I did something for myself. Honestly, it feels like I actually deserve to have a good life and to give myself positive feedback and I really wish this feeling for everybody.
Mike
Step 5:Distract yourself
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NinjaFrodo
- Posts: 1263
- Joined: Wed Aug 18, 2004 3:00 am
Here is the link to the Letting Go thread which is designated for venting
http://forum.stresscenter.com/viewtopic ... 52&t=25087
You can follow me on Twitter, same username or check out my blog
http://ninjafrodo.blogspot.com/
http://forum.stresscenter.com/viewtopic ... 52&t=25087
You can follow me on Twitter, same username or check out my blog
http://ninjafrodo.blogspot.com/
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Guest
You're right, we forget sometimes that preventative maintenance is a good thing to do. Keeping ourselves involved in something we're interested in and that we like doing goes a long way in preventing the anxiety to begin with. Using the energy for something positive is most definitely better than using it to worry or fret. I think sometimes how strange it was that I used to sit around and use all this energy to worry when I could have been using it for something that was actually fun! Now if it comes up I say "OK I have this adrenaline energy what can I do with it OTHER than worry or work myself up in an anxiety frenzy?" I can come up with lots of other things now, but a year ago I was pretty stuck.
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Guest
Mary
Great post! It's true, many of us do use that energy to worry...and what does it give us? For myself it gave me lethargy and exhaustion and it's great how you mentioned that power question.
You said,
Someone from another program has said that questions are very powerful and they can help us to change our mental state. This is a great question for that and i'm going to use it. Thank you!
Mike
Great post! It's true, many of us do use that energy to worry...and what does it give us? For myself it gave me lethargy and exhaustion and it's great how you mentioned that power question.
You said,
OK I have this adrenaline energy what can I do with it OTHER than worry or work myself up in an anxiety frenzy?
Someone from another program has said that questions are very powerful and they can help us to change our mental state. This is a great question for that and i'm going to use it. Thank you!
Mike
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Guest
Good morning guys,
Oh, how I long to be able to use that rush as I learned to do when I was young. At an early age, I knew there was something different about me. I soon learned to channel all of that energy toward physical activities that energy could be used to have a decided advantage. I was born to be a great athlete.
Examples:
When I was 7 I ran faster than kids that were twice my age, because I had this great finishing kick brought on by a steady stream and surge of this inner strength and energy.
When I was 14 I swam faster than other swimmers.
When I was 14, I got inspired by seeing the great Muhammad Ali in training, and decided that I wanted to be a boxer just like him. When I was in fights, and I found myself in a troubling situation, that surge of energy just kicked in and it was pretty much over for the opponent. It was as if the opponent had no choice, they were going down. Ultimately, I realized that this tiger within me, was very dangerous and could kill someone, and for my own safety, I had to stop fighting.
So at 16, I stopped fighting, and focused on baseball. I would have made it to the majors, I did play at the minor league AA level, but being young and feeling that my options were limited by, the Viet Nam war and the draft, I joined the military.
In my 30's I began to learn to play tennis, and was very good, but it was too late in my life to play at major professional tournaments.
Now, I am older and cannot direct this energy surge toward physical activities, because of my physical disabilities. I can not even spend more than 15 minutes sitting here typing at the computer.
For physical competition, I have to settle for competing in Tennis, golf, bowling and Madden 08 on the WII. Tennis skill level 2085, Golf 1450, Bowling 1300, and Pro level on the Madden 08. My mental concentration, and my hand/eye coordination is still there, but the physical limitations seem very overwhelming if not impossible at times. Thus, my struggle is to keep from slipping into depressed feelings about this horrible decline in the quality of my life.
I am having to re-learn how best to use this pent up energy, that used to give me such great pleasure. I have long realized that the key was to distract the mind to keep from dwelling too much on my current circumstances and how best to use my life skills, which is not limited to simply excelling at physical activities, but also coaching, teaching, and learning to listen and make observations better so that I can be better. I am driven, I have to feel productive. Otherwise, what is the sense of living?
I am learning that life has been very good to me. However, dwelling on my past can only bring frustration and despair. I can not project what the future may bring because that would only bring on anxiety.
I have this moment. I may not ever be as good as I used to be, and things may be very tough for me at the moment, but look at the moment we have. We have the privilege of the moment to enjoy all the beauty that surrounds us to reminds that we are blessed children of God and that no matter what our circumstances, He loves us.
I wish you all the best that this moment brings you. Live life, love, sing, and dance, it's the only one you have. So how do you want to live it?
In His love,
Hugs,
Gman5256
Oh, how I long to be able to use that rush as I learned to do when I was young. At an early age, I knew there was something different about me. I soon learned to channel all of that energy toward physical activities that energy could be used to have a decided advantage. I was born to be a great athlete.
Examples:
When I was 7 I ran faster than kids that were twice my age, because I had this great finishing kick brought on by a steady stream and surge of this inner strength and energy.
When I was 14 I swam faster than other swimmers.
When I was 14, I got inspired by seeing the great Muhammad Ali in training, and decided that I wanted to be a boxer just like him. When I was in fights, and I found myself in a troubling situation, that surge of energy just kicked in and it was pretty much over for the opponent. It was as if the opponent had no choice, they were going down. Ultimately, I realized that this tiger within me, was very dangerous and could kill someone, and for my own safety, I had to stop fighting.
So at 16, I stopped fighting, and focused on baseball. I would have made it to the majors, I did play at the minor league AA level, but being young and feeling that my options were limited by, the Viet Nam war and the draft, I joined the military.
In my 30's I began to learn to play tennis, and was very good, but it was too late in my life to play at major professional tournaments.
Now, I am older and cannot direct this energy surge toward physical activities, because of my physical disabilities. I can not even spend more than 15 minutes sitting here typing at the computer.
For physical competition, I have to settle for competing in Tennis, golf, bowling and Madden 08 on the WII. Tennis skill level 2085, Golf 1450, Bowling 1300, and Pro level on the Madden 08. My mental concentration, and my hand/eye coordination is still there, but the physical limitations seem very overwhelming if not impossible at times. Thus, my struggle is to keep from slipping into depressed feelings about this horrible decline in the quality of my life.
I am having to re-learn how best to use this pent up energy, that used to give me such great pleasure. I have long realized that the key was to distract the mind to keep from dwelling too much on my current circumstances and how best to use my life skills, which is not limited to simply excelling at physical activities, but also coaching, teaching, and learning to listen and make observations better so that I can be better. I am driven, I have to feel productive. Otherwise, what is the sense of living?
I am learning that life has been very good to me. However, dwelling on my past can only bring frustration and despair. I can not project what the future may bring because that would only bring on anxiety.
I have this moment. I may not ever be as good as I used to be, and things may be very tough for me at the moment, but look at the moment we have. We have the privilege of the moment to enjoy all the beauty that surrounds us to reminds that we are blessed children of God and that no matter what our circumstances, He loves us.
I wish you all the best that this moment brings you. Live life, love, sing, and dance, it's the only one you have. So how do you want to live it?
In His love,
Hugs,
Gman5256
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Guest
Ninja - So glad you could use this. I am a fan of questions. Especially when it concerns my own behavior and making changes. Some questions I have turned around from being non productive like -"Why am I like this?" or "What's wrong with me?" to a more proactive question of "How can I help myself right now, and what can I do about this?"
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Guest
Gman5256
Very nicely put. By the way what physical limitations do you suffer with?
What you talk about getting that pent up energy out...is probabbly the same thing that I refer to as being passionate. You're in a state where you want to put everything you got (physically and mentally), into an activity. I don't know if this would apply to yourself but I find singing really allows me to do this. I particulary have a great time playing this game called sing star.
Mary
Ya I'm constantly saying why am I like this and is it even possible to over come this? Very unproductive questions there. I can definately see the benefit in using those last 2 questions you mentioned everytime the why am I like this question comes. Hopefullness instead of Hopelessness. I LIKE IT!!! Also what is it I want to feel right now?
Very nicely put. By the way what physical limitations do you suffer with?
What you talk about getting that pent up energy out...is probabbly the same thing that I refer to as being passionate. You're in a state where you want to put everything you got (physically and mentally), into an activity. I don't know if this would apply to yourself but I find singing really allows me to do this. I particulary have a great time playing this game called sing star.
Mary
Ya I'm constantly saying why am I like this and is it even possible to over come this? Very unproductive questions there. I can definately see the benefit in using those last 2 questions you mentioned everytime the why am I like this question comes. Hopefullness instead of Hopelessness. I LIKE IT!!! Also what is it I want to feel right now?
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Guest
Hi Ninja,
Thanks for asking. In 2003, I was rear ended 3 times and injured my back on the job that disclosed, I had severe spinal compression and 2 herniated discs. The MRI I had done at the time disclosed this. Last year I wrenched my knee and had severe pain. I went in to chiropractor and the x-rays showed I basically had no cartledge left in my knee. The chiropractor is also a specialist in acupuncture and he pinned up my knee to block the pain. Once that pain was blocked, I felt the sciatic pain that I had experienced before, and he sent to get an MRI. The MRI disclosed that the disc herniations were so bad, he sent me to a surgeon. Can you imagine that? A chiropractor recommending a surgeon and referring me to another chiropractor. Hmmm
The surgeon would not touch me until my blood pressure was brought under better control. My readings at that time were 217/147. Is it any wonder, no one wanted me in their office. Who wants to have the possibility of a client leaving their office and collapsing or having EMT picking up one of their clients? That's not good for business. Wouldn't you say? LOL
Then 3 months later, I got the disc lamectomy operation, and while the first concern of reduction of further nerve damage was successful, I suffer day and night with constant lower back and pain in my lower extremities, that have limited my ability to walk even 50 feet while laboring all the way then resting and trying to continue.
My great concern is with any medication that may interfere with the blood pressure meds I am on, because I am not too keen on having my heart feel like it is going to jump out of my chest or burst. BTW, the MRI also showed that I have 2 abdominal thorasic anuerisms. No, my worry is not imagined, it is real. Moreover, if you check into any NSAIDS they can all cause heart and or liver damage, if you are susceptible to liver damage or cardiac problems. Which I am susceptible in both areas.
In addition to the above concerns, I am bi-polar. In spite of all this, I am determined to remain calm and as best I can enjoy the moment and privilege of the life I have left.
I have found great relief in distraction and breathing techniques I learned in this program and through life experiences. It really helps to help in reducing pulse rate, blood pressure and sort of deflecting pain. It also helps to try to find humor no matter what your circumstances. It is tough to cry a pitiful cry if you are laughing.
I also used to love to dance, and I may not be able to move like I used to, but my upper body moves with great rhythm. LOL
BTW, I enjoy singing too. It is great medicine. Putting it simply, it is sort of the whistle while work kind of thing that is also a another great distraction. My wife got me the American Idol version on the WII, and I have done this a few times. I wouldn't really be able to compete on the Idol competition,because my vocal range and skill is limited to the baritone and there are not too many songs in the collection that I can do, besides Just the 2 of us. I max that one out. Because my limitations, the songs I do best on are love ballads and not much else. What do you like to sing? I picture you as a rocker.
I hope I didn't overwhelm you with the details provided, but I really appreciate your asking. Thanks!
Hugs,
Gman5256
Thanks for asking. In 2003, I was rear ended 3 times and injured my back on the job that disclosed, I had severe spinal compression and 2 herniated discs. The MRI I had done at the time disclosed this. Last year I wrenched my knee and had severe pain. I went in to chiropractor and the x-rays showed I basically had no cartledge left in my knee. The chiropractor is also a specialist in acupuncture and he pinned up my knee to block the pain. Once that pain was blocked, I felt the sciatic pain that I had experienced before, and he sent to get an MRI. The MRI disclosed that the disc herniations were so bad, he sent me to a surgeon. Can you imagine that? A chiropractor recommending a surgeon and referring me to another chiropractor. Hmmm
The surgeon would not touch me until my blood pressure was brought under better control. My readings at that time were 217/147. Is it any wonder, no one wanted me in their office. Who wants to have the possibility of a client leaving their office and collapsing or having EMT picking up one of their clients? That's not good for business. Wouldn't you say? LOL
Then 3 months later, I got the disc lamectomy operation, and while the first concern of reduction of further nerve damage was successful, I suffer day and night with constant lower back and pain in my lower extremities, that have limited my ability to walk even 50 feet while laboring all the way then resting and trying to continue.
My great concern is with any medication that may interfere with the blood pressure meds I am on, because I am not too keen on having my heart feel like it is going to jump out of my chest or burst. BTW, the MRI also showed that I have 2 abdominal thorasic anuerisms. No, my worry is not imagined, it is real. Moreover, if you check into any NSAIDS they can all cause heart and or liver damage, if you are susceptible to liver damage or cardiac problems. Which I am susceptible in both areas.
In addition to the above concerns, I am bi-polar. In spite of all this, I am determined to remain calm and as best I can enjoy the moment and privilege of the life I have left.
I have found great relief in distraction and breathing techniques I learned in this program and through life experiences. It really helps to help in reducing pulse rate, blood pressure and sort of deflecting pain. It also helps to try to find humor no matter what your circumstances. It is tough to cry a pitiful cry if you are laughing.
I also used to love to dance, and I may not be able to move like I used to, but my upper body moves with great rhythm. LOL
BTW, I enjoy singing too. It is great medicine. Putting it simply, it is sort of the whistle while work kind of thing that is also a another great distraction. My wife got me the American Idol version on the WII, and I have done this a few times. I wouldn't really be able to compete on the Idol competition,because my vocal range and skill is limited to the baritone and there are not too many songs in the collection that I can do, besides Just the 2 of us. I max that one out. Because my limitations, the songs I do best on are love ballads and not much else. What do you like to sing? I picture you as a rocker.
I hope I didn't overwhelm you with the details provided, but I really appreciate your asking. Thanks!
Hugs,
Gman5256
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Guest
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Guest
Gman5256
I ask because I'm actually also a therapist. My field is Shiatsu therapy and part of my training is western pathology but also chinese medicine as well.
I'm sorry that you are suffering alot of these conditions. This must be very trying at times for you. I can understand why you were refered alot, that is an extremely high blood pressure and it can get dangerous with any kind of therapy weather it is manual or medication.
I do not like people suffering so if I may suggest something to help your body and the immune system, look into blood pH and alkaline type diet. I'm not saying to completely shift around your diet but making even minor changes can at least bring down the blood pressure and the anxiety. I've noticed great results and the theory makes alot of sense to me, maybe it can help you too
Oh and I'm big into 80s songs. My favorate band is Tears for Fears. Maybe the rocker thing would be accurate than.
Mike
I ask because I'm actually also a therapist. My field is Shiatsu therapy and part of my training is western pathology but also chinese medicine as well.
I'm sorry that you are suffering alot of these conditions. This must be very trying at times for you. I can understand why you were refered alot, that is an extremely high blood pressure and it can get dangerous with any kind of therapy weather it is manual or medication.
I do not like people suffering so if I may suggest something to help your body and the immune system, look into blood pH and alkaline type diet. I'm not saying to completely shift around your diet but making even minor changes can at least bring down the blood pressure and the anxiety. I've noticed great results and the theory makes alot of sense to me, maybe it can help you too
Oh and I'm big into 80s songs. My favorate band is Tears for Fears. Maybe the rocker thing would be accurate than.
Mike