Oh, but I wish I had been able to get a shot of the sunrise this morning. I'm not usually up to see the sunrise, but my MIL had cataract surgery this morning, and I was on my way to the eye surgery center. The sun wasn't even quite over the trees, so I only got a glimpse of this huge, fire red ball that made the entire sky around it glow. It was breathtaking. I wanted to pull over to get a picture, but of course, I was running late and decided not to keep anyone waiting.
MIL did great! She got the new lens that makes you see like you're young again.....when she came out, although she was very groggy, she could read the tag on my car! I was impressed.
O.K. so I'm supposed to be learning some techniques for controlling the anxiety when I have a panic attack. Which should also work to control stress. I'm such a skeptic!
1. Breathing....well, that's never been that easy for me! Slow, deep breaths, in through your nose, out through you mouth. 5 seconds each way. For 4 minutes total. I'm trying....but obviously I don't do it right because I start to hyperventilate. That'll stop a panic attack...you just pass out!
2. Journaling....I wonder if the blog counts? Journal every thing, every day so you learn what triggers the panic. These are the things I think are the main triggers,
There are a few other things, but of course I can't remember them so I'll just concentrate on those two this week.
Oh, yes, I have to think of 9 things to do when I start to have that feeling and I know a panic attack is coming right behind.....it's not like I have a lot of actual, full blown panic attacks....just two in the past long, long time...so 9 things?
1. Think about scripture
2. Go for a walk.
3. Oh, I'm sure journal since then I'll know what triggered the attack.
4. Bake (cookies, cakes, pies....because it doesn't stress me to gain weight)
5. Clean ......I don't like that one so I'm striking it off the list.
6. Call my husband. It really does calm me to hear his voice even though he says "Get over it."
Side note: My husband minored in Psychology. Good thing it's not his job.
7.
8.
I can't think of anymore except the one I usually really do.....
9. Go to M*v*e G*ll*ry and rent a movie, watch it in my bed.
I'm no psychologist, but I've figured the last one out! I think about the movie and NOT what I'm stressed about.
Now just in case you're thinking that I'm always in the bed watching movies......I'm not.
Oh, yes, and I'm reading a book called Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend. I'll let you know how that goes.
My sister says just get a brown paper bag and breathe into it and you'll be o.k. Maybe that could be on my list!
On a bright note, it is a beautiful day here. I'm not sick with the crud and a LOT of people around here are, and we start back to our Tuesday nite Bible study tonight.
12 comments:
I wish I knew a pat answer to give you...but maybe try singing a song you know all the words to and get the biggest chocolate candy bar you can find and eat it very, v.e.r.y. slowly, and think about why it is you love chocolate so much!
Tonja, what a great idea! I actually think I have a candy bar in the house!
Oooo I want a chocolate bar now, too! Panic attacks are awful - are you on any medication for it? I am. So I say, "just do drugs!" NOT LOL
I bought that book, but haven't read it yet. Shame on me. I read Allison Bottke's instead and never moved on.
I have started reading the book and it's good. The problem is doing what it says! Saying no is a huge problem for me.
This is a comment my friend emailed me....I just couldn't resist putting it in....I'll make the shopping #'s 7 & 8 just for good measure!
o.k., you forgot to mention (ways to cure panic attack)...shop...buy something!! triggers: grown children who are addicts love, tammy
Okay I had to laugh. I suffer from anxiety and have had panic attacks in the past. My 15 yr old son also has anxiety attacks. We always found it funny trying to come up with things to take his mind off the attacks. We'd get so frustrated thinking of things it would bring on anxiety. So glad your husband chose a different profession - ha. Let me know which one works the best. And the Boundaries book is great but you have to do what it says, that stinks!
-Sheryl
Baking and cooking gourmet meals always grounds me and calms me. There were times in my life when I would bake so much due to anxiety in my life that my children would bring tons of baked goods to work with them.
I'm sorry you are going through this.
My stepson has these attacks and it is just so sad to see him struggle with them.
You could always call one of your sisters and let them talk you thru it.........oh, or maybe not, since we were both on the ride with you and we weren't much help then!!!
Glad that I do not have to do the breathing thing. If I try to think about my breathing, I suddenly cannot catch my breath.
I always try to completely relax my body by starting with my toes and slowly moving up as I focus on each area. My grandmother always whistled.
I'm giving some of these a try! Thanks for the tips.
My personal favorite is getting in bed and watching a movie. Can't wait to try that one!
OH! I have another....go to the Pioneer Woman (link on my blog sidebar). Her mother has a post about this very thing and breathing. Her link is on the left of Pioneer Womans page. Her mom is the beautiful greay and white haired woman. Why cant I look like that with my grey...anyhow. Check it out.
sorry I missed the sunrise.sounds beautiful. glad MIL is good.
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