Anxiety

The definition of anxiety is:

a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event

or something with an uncertain outcome.

So, I guess I am allowed to have it with thinking about surgery BUT I don't like it. 

The symptoms of a panic attack include:

• Racing heart - yup!

• Chest pain, feeling like you're having a heart attack - already had an echocardiogram  - all good but still have the symptoms

• Feelings of complete terror, impending doom or death that are paralyzing - not really, unless it counts that I showed Ron where the life insurance policies are and how to get into the bank accounts.

• Feeling sweaty or having chills - do hot flashes count?

• Feeling out of control or like you're going crazy - well, that is kind of normal for me but yes, a little more out of control!

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing  - oh yeah, no doubt!

• Feeling detached from your surroundings - not so much...although the For Sale sign on the house always does that a bit.

• Experiencing nausea or upset stomach - oh that reminds me to add gravol to my grocery list.

• Having numbness or tingling sensations - especially in my fingers plus my hands have swollen so that I can't wear my rings.

• Feeling like you're choking - that's for sure!

Okay, so I have the symptoms and I even have a reason BUT I still don't like it.


So if I can google the symptoms I can google how to help anxiety.


Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed:

• Take a time-out. -That's what days off are all about!
• Eat well-balanced meals. - My fitnesspal app helps me with this one. 
• Limit alcohol and caffeine. - No alcohol BUT going without tea would cause me more stress!

• Get enough sleep.  - Oh, I try but my fitbit keeps telling me that I am not sleeping deeply and Ron tells me in the morning that my tossing and turning is causing him not to either.
• Exercise daily - Not a problem!  I need to keep my fitbit happy!
• Take deep breaths. - Doing it right now but the fumes of my oven being cleaned gives me a headache. 
• Count to 10 slowly. - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6....10.  I guess I need to work on that one. 
• Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection...., Hard one.  I made a couple of mistakes this week at work and it was hard to let it go! 
• Accept that you cannot control everything. - So true but that is a hard one!  This is usually when the tears come.
• Welcome humor. - My son has been providing me with this by sending photos of Bentley who is currently in remission from his cancer!

• Maintain a positive attitude. - Oh, I am trying.  We are looking ahead and have booked our 35th Anniversary trip on Vancouver Island....6 nights on the ocean!

• Get involved. - Being busy at work helps plus having the days off with Ron and going on our little adventures is very positive.
• Learn what triggers your anxiety. - Oh, I know exactly what the trigger is ....March 28th when they will put me to sleep and a knife will go across my neck.  I will wake up a few hours later to a loving husband, my sweet daughter is who coming to help with things and a son who  always been there for me.  We will then wait for a few weeks to hear about the success of the surgery and if it was indeed cancer.
• Talk to someone. - I'm doing that.  I called my grandchildren.  I got to hear about Emma losing her tooth and how she is cleaning her room so the tooth fairy can come tonight.
  

I know that I am going to make it through....I am working to try to not let the anxiety overwhelm me.  One lady at work told me that I shouldn't be too hard on myself.  I'm allowed to be concerned.  Being told not to worry can cause more anxiety.  As I pause to think about what I want to type I notice that I am wringing my hands.  It's just there!

But now....I'm going to get moving for the day.  I want to

get the house cleaned,

the laundry done,

ironing caught up,

banking looked after,

some college work done,

the oven cleaned,

go for a walk,

maybe watch a movie....