Stress Center Peer Support

Now this idea actually comes from a diffrent source but I'd rather nobody say anything because it isn't the main focus here. I just want to help people out the best that I can.

Often as sufferers of anxiety and depression, we tend to get into these spiraling negative thought patterns where we think about one negative thing then it leads us to thinking of another one and then another one and so on. The program teaches us that we can use breathing techniques to break these cycles and this is very useful....however, I feel that it would be even better still if we can learn a few diffrent cycle breakers. Don't you?

Neways, here are my ideas. Whenever you notice yourself feeling negative, hopeless, ugly, insecure, inadequate, try doing something you wouldn't normally do...like tapping the temples, clapping really loud, drumming, using a "singing bowl", jump, hum, sing (one of my favs) or whatever you wouldn't normally do. This is a really great way of screwing up that negative cycle and scratching it's power. Using the relaxation cd on top of that would be even more powerful.

Also if anybody else can come up with other cycle breakers please, feel free to share them with other people on this site.

Mike

anybody?

I wear an elastic around my wrist and snap it at the start of a scary thought

That is an awsome idea, does it distract you long enough for the thoughts to pass?

colleenf

Wow that is such an awesome idea. You're linking pain to even the start of a scary thought. Your mind is going to say that thinking scary thoughts is going to be painful. That's Genius!

Mike

Thats awesome can't wait to try it!!!!

ive usually used distraction but i dont know what to use anymore since ive become weaker lately

ChangingTimes07

Maybe you just need to strengthen your motivation again. Restate the purpose to the group again...what is it you get from doing it? How does your life improve energetically? In your relationships, in your spirituality, in your finances, in your sense of security.

Mike

P.S. Nice to see you again ChangingTimes. It's been awhile. I think we're kinda in the same boat with the feeling weaker part. Oh and its pretty cool that you posted 5 years to the day of when you registered with the forums.

This sounds like a good idea. Something unusual that jars the brain out of it's ruminating thought circle. Seeing as I can't carry a tune, I may try singing a loud Italian opera off key. I may end up having fun with this at the same time.

Excellent ideas here! Thanks to everyone.