05-23-22, 10:41 AM | |
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Florida
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Sometimes when we're under stress we hold our breath or have other breathing difficulties that we might not notice.
RELAX AND BREATHE: Do Nothing for 10 Minutes I do this breathing exercise to relax. It also helps me sleep better. 15 Minute Deep Breathing Exercise | City of Hope City of Hope has some wonderful relaxation videos of varying length Copied from the City of Hope video description: * Deep Breathing exercises help reduce anxiety, stress, fatigue, restlessness, difficulty sleeping and physical discomfort. * City of Hope is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
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Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Henry David Thoreau |
05-23-22, 11:19 AM | ||
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Snowman Land :)
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Quote:
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"No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch." "God, please help me to be the person my dog thinks I am." "You can't run from your problems. But you'll both feel a little lighter when you get back." ~New Balance shoe ad You don't have to be fast, just keep moving forward. Note to self: You don't get to complain about things you won't work to change! Word for 2024: Accomplished; Word for 2023: Grounded; Word for 2022: Consistency; Word for 2021: Mindfulness |
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05-23-22, 11:24 AM | |
Join Date: Nov 2001
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I've been struggling with overwhelming depression and anxiety in the past few months. Running used to help with those issues but I can't run anymore due to injury/surgery. I have health issues that could be causing or contributing to the anxiety/depression and we've just had an enormous amount of stress recently. It's been really hard. I'm going to try the bullet journal book (ordered it from the library) and I have an appointment with an endocrinologist in two months (3 month wait for an appointment!).
Erica |
05-23-22, 11:27 AM | ||
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Raleigh, NC, USA
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Quote:
I also set aside an hour a week for journaling, then I use that time to write about the big things that happened that week - usually things that were really positive or really challenging - as well as long-term things that I am dealing with at that time. When possible, I write about anything I can do to make those situations better. At the end, I put "Today, I Feel. . . " and flip through a deck of cards that I have with emotions listed on them and write down any words that resonate with me right then. I have two different decks of cards, and definitely prefer the latter (more expensive) set, but there are probably lists of emotions free online. I rarely know what I'm feeling beyond "good" or "bad," so this part of the process is crucial for helping me name my feelings. For instance, if I see a list of twenty words similar to "overwhelmed," I know I need to increase my self-care and figure out if there's anything I can take off my plate, even for a little while. This type of journaling is like a feelings dump instead of a brain dump, and doing it regularly definitely helps with my anxiety. |
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05-23-22, 12:53 PM | ||
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Snowman Land :)
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Quote:
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"No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch." "God, please help me to be the person my dog thinks I am." "You can't run from your problems. But you'll both feel a little lighter when you get back." ~New Balance shoe ad You don't have to be fast, just keep moving forward. Note to self: You don't get to complain about things you won't work to change! Word for 2024: Accomplished; Word for 2023: Grounded; Word for 2022: Consistency; Word for 2021: Mindfulness |
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05-23-22, 12:55 PM | |
Join Date: Aug 2003
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I agree with all the recommendations for Yin Yoga. I like Travis Eliot's free Yin classes on YouTube.
I also find a short meditation practice can help me alleviate anxiety to some extent. This one by Yoga with Adrienne is one of my favorites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pLUleLdwY4 |
05-23-22, 01:39 PM | |
Exchange Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: PalmTreeVille
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Donna, I sent you a PM.
I like what Anita suggested - i did the same thing. on meditation: my experience with anxiety helped me develop a meditation practice using guided meditation CDs at first. i strongly *suggest Jack Kornfield and Andrew Weil on guided meditation. Sharon Salzberg is also really good and Thich Nhat Hanh. All were obtained from the public library and i'm pretty sure they're available as downloads from Amazon and other audio book services. edited to add: *these suggestions are all short (5-10 min) and guide you with their voice and what to "do" while you're meditating.
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~jeannine Miyagi: Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breathe in through nose, out the mouth. Wax on, wax off. Don't forget to breathe, very important. [walks away, still making circular motions with hands] ~ Pat Morita, The Karate Kid, 1984 disclosure: in the years 2002-2004 i had a professional relationship with a distributor of fitness videos; see profile. |
05-23-22, 02:31 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Donna, you've gotten some great suggestions so far!
I've been going through some major life changes and health issues on top of the pandemic. I practice self-care as much as possible. I have found that walking helps a great deal. Sometimes the idea of meditating can seem like too much. I like the "mini meditation" idea. Just short times throughout the day to be mindful. It's a myth that you have to sit in lotus position for 45 minutes until your legs go to sleep to have a good meditation. One way to calm the mind is to explore your 5 senses. On a walk, if I start getting anxious, I think, "What do I hear? What do I smell? What do I see? What can I touch?" It can really slow the brain down. This is helpful during meal times, too. I try to really smell and taste the food and chew very slowly. Big hugs to you !!!
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Tags |
anxiety, anxiety relief, grief, journal, journals, meditation, mental health, mindfulness, self care, yoga for anxiety |
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