Stress Center Peer Support

hi everyone
I started back to work yesterday after 3 months of stress leave and it felt really great! A month ago the thought of going back to work triggered panic and anxiety. I can see that this is a huge step for me and I am proud. However, I am finding the drive to work very difficult. I have an hour commute to work and the anicipatory anxiety builds in the hour.(driving has not been an issue for me except for when I am going to work.) I do different things to distract myself such as Cds, good music etc. it does help. I am using my breathing techniques as well as positive inner dialogue. This also very helpful. I have been practicing feeling the anxiety and accepting it and this is comforting. I know it's just anxiety and that I am worried about embarrassing myself at work. I know that I really want to go to work and I will not let anxiety stop me from living my life, I am strong. I know I am filling my time while driving, with unproductive thoughts. I just finished session 10 and practicing those techniques. Anyways, (now that I have given a huge long history lol)I am looking for any tips to ease the anxiety while I commute alone. thanks...

My husband and I both hate our 45 minute drive to town. It's just enough time to listen to one of Lucinda's cd's though- that helped me. I also break the drive down by landmarks and take it that piece of the road at a time. Like "it's only 5 minutes to the next exit." When I get there I have only 3 miles to the next, instead of thinking of the whole trip. Hubby likes to time himself to see if he can make it to the next town in record time- lol- but I'm not suggesting speeding by any means. Maybe you could burn a cd with an hour's worth of your favorite upbeat songs?? Maybe stop halfway and treat yourself to a coke or coffee to break it up??? Hope this helps. Bev

Hey Presely,

That is really great that you are back at work! I think most people can feel your pain when it comes to commuting, especially when you have to do it alone. I go to school 2 hours from home, but I drive home every Friday and go back every Sunday and in the beginning this caused a whole lot of anxiety for me. It still does at times, but I have learned to control it.
It is defiantly nice that you have this time to listen to the program. I have done that in the car too, and it calms me right down. Maybe you could try those book's on c.d's type things. I haven't tried it, but it seems like it might be comforting when you are alone. And I have to agree with the upbeat music. When you feel uneasy just yell out your favorite song. It is really fun and no one is there to judge! And I like to look at car rides as a way to use my skills too. Because when I start to feel panicky or anxious I can use what I have learned to talk myself through it. I hope this helps. Good luck in all your future commuting!

Layne.

Such great advice! Just thought I'd add something that's helped me in many situations: Instead of looking at it as anxiety, see it as excitement. We are such negative thinkers, and usually pick the scary choice when given. Choose to be excited about a new day, new chances to prove yourself, and new opportunities. I know, easier said than done. Practice does make perfect on this one. Good luck.

I listen to the CD's over and over. Each time I pick up something new from listening to them.