I’ve written about anxiety before: a harrowing morning at the airport in California, and the power of being in the present moment. I’m so grateful that I’ve never gone all the way to full blown panic while on the road- talk about a nightmare! Panic attacks are something I wouldn’t wish on my worst-enemy. Thankfully, I haven’t had one in a few years, but in my early twenties they were a big issue for me.
Here’s a good article from the Chicago Tribune on how traveler Rita Anya Nara manages her nearly-lifelong anxiety while on the road. An excerpt:
Be present: “Get out of your mind and into your body and five senses. When you’re too focused on your head and the ‘what ifs,’ you’re focusing on the future and the past. You don’t have the energy to focus on the present, which could be a whole lot of nothing and usually is not as bad as you think.
Do you have any surefire tips for beating anxiety or panic, whether on the road or in your everyday life?
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I’m participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge for April. Today’s theme is P for panic. Yesterday, I shared some orange sunset photos over New York Harbor. Next, I’ll be asking my visiting English relatives some questions about their impressions of America. Stay tuned!
![On Not Failing - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]](https://i0.wp.com/sweetandsavoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11516319155_3bfd4d1f7e_z.jpg?resize=440%2C294&ssl=1)
I love this post. I went back to the SFO one too. Anxiety is my beast. I’ve only ever had one full blown panic attack in my life and it wasn’t random. It was before I moved to Cali and I was nervous.
I do get anxiety attacks, though. They used to be pure nausea and now they sit in my chest like the way you described yours.
Deep, slow breaths and connecting with other humans helps immensely. Same with dogs! (and sometimes cats too)
Oh, dogs! And cats! Yes, for sure. I need more time with animals!
Breath and think as rationally as I can. Distractions like music help and I call a friend to bring reassurance to my mind. 🙂 Have a great weekend Christy and hope your anxiety isn’t kicking your behind these days! -Iva
AwesomelyOZ recently posted…GTFO: We Truly Are Full of It
Music and calling a friend are great suggestions. Thank you Iva- happy to say anxiety has not been a huge issue as of late but I do still have my moments.
I think it’s probably different for everyone, but I like that reminder to be present. For me, when I’m worrying or anxious, I pray. It’s what calms me down!
Prayer and meditation are great suggestions!
Anxiety has only recently started trickling into my life. I had never had “panic attacks” until all of a sudden, I wasn’t in control of my life anymore and I knew it. The depression and unhealthy lifestyle I was living were taking over. I hadn’t slept well because I was pulling night shifts, and BOOM- my blood pressure went up and I had a severe pain in the back of my leg- I was certain it was a blood clot; nope, it was in my head. My doctor has recently put me on a dose of an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety and it is helping, slowly; i still have bad days at work where I swear I’m going to be getting a pink slip, but breathing techniques help me calm down and think rationally again.
Wow, so glad you didn’t have a blood clot, but to find out that you’re dealing with major anxiety isn’t any fun either, of course! I bet you’re so relieved the meds are working; Wellbutrin has helped me immensely with both depression and anxiety.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Andrea!
I love this! I suffer from depression with minor anxiety so I can relate to this a lot. Thank you for posting!
You’re welcome, Sierra. Glad you can relate and it’s so much fun ‘seeing a new face’ around here. Welcome!
i also deal with anxiety. i had to spend the time to discover my favorite, relaxing things. mine are exercising, spending time outdoors, cooking, reading, listening to music, journaling, etc. when i need to have a moment, i go to those things to calm myself and get my mind focused again.
Yes, these are all great coping strategies! Outside time and exercising are probably my number ones.