I've had anxiety my entire life, but haven't taken it seriously until five years ago. For the last five years, I have been battling to let go of this control I feel I need to have on every single detail of my life.
Why Must I Have Control?
It's a bigger problem at work. I'm working in a call center, and before that I was a substitute teacher. Each day is a mystery. Is everything going to go according to my plan? Will I have to deal with little assholes?
These questions are applicable to both jobs, just FYI.
I need details. What do I need to do to have the best day ever? That's a bit much right? I totally agree! I'm so scared of negative outcomes that I feel I must do everything in my power to prevent them.
In the end, though, I know these do nothing. I know there are things out of my control. But for whatever reason, I still tried to keep it all within my control.
How Do You Learn To Let Go?
It's a learning process, that's for sure. Here are a few things I've started to do to anticipate any sort of daily outcome.
Anxiety journal
I write down what bothers me when I can. It usually gets it off my chest and I can move on. I usually write in shorthand so I can get it out faster.
Note of encouragement to myself
"You've got this today. You know what you're doing. This is just a job. You are still a talented creator." I'll usually read this whenever I start to feel overwhelmed.
Practice mindfulness before each shift
Click here to learn more about this practice.
Drink more water/Take deeper breaths
It's a silly, cutesy self-care tip that actually works wonders. Stay hydrated, and don't forget to breathe. I realized I was always struggling to catch my breath when I start to feel a growing panic attack.
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