Anxiety related

[michellesings]

Ok, anyone have healthy ways to deal with anxiety....any tricks.  I know about meditation, and trying to ignore some of my thoughts (fears or worries)...anything else?  Thank you

[Paxiled]

Meditation doesn't involve clearing the mind or ignoring thoughts.  There are many different kinds, too many, but all involve watching your thoughts until they drift away.  Easier said than done, but quite different than fighting against them.  There are also hundreds if not thousands of breathing exercises.  Perhaps it's time to see a cognitive therapist or a Buddhist therapist, someone who can help you learn properly.  My own experience is that it's very hard to teach yourself to meditate, it's much better done with a teacher.  It just seems to get your ego out of the way.

[michellesings]

Thank you for the breathing tip.  I have greaaatly struggled with this all of my life.  My dad told me to do this once, but I didn't really think this was some found help.  Guess he was smarter than I thought! :-)
I will def look up that site you recommended as well. Thank you very much.
If anyone else has info, would love to hear from as many people here as possible.
What a great site I've newly discovered!

[theotterone]

The first time I tried meditation, it was a DISASTER!  I couldn't clear my mind!  So I found that following some guided meditation, allowing the thoughts to flow but not attaching to them helps.  Remember, it will take time to get into the rhythm of it.

Another thing I do with my oldest daughter is Dr. Joy Browne's Square Breathing. (I used to listen to her on a local station on my way home from work.)  It basically is breathe in to the count of 4, hold to the count of 4, exhale to the count of 4, hold for the count of 4.  This slows down your breathing and lessens the chance of hyperventilation.  It is also good as something to focus on when your brain is running full tilt.

I hope this helps!