I need some coping mechanisms

[asmuchuseas]

Posting here for traffic really.

Tomorrow I start a new job. Perfect hours, fits around the kids and is something I have wanted to do for a long time.

I have a problem with anxiety though and it's screwed up some jobs for me in the past. I'm already beginning to feel extra anxious about tomorrow. I know I'll be that nervous that I will be physically sick before leaving the house. I know I'll have to actually force myself to leave the house. And I'm really worried about getting there and feeling like I need to leave.

I am literally done at home doing my own thing but for some reason doing anything that's new or out of the ordinary I go into a blind panic and my anxiety kicks off.

I'm planning on taking everything slowly tomorrow, one step at a time but I'm already feeling sick to the pit of my stomach and I do not want to ruin this job.

If anyone has any ideas I'll gladly take them on board. I do have some rescue remedy in my bag but I'm not sure that will help.

Get everything ready the night before. Don’t stay up late. Make sure you have breakfast and are hydrated.

Don’t try out a new way of styling your hair or different make up. Keep it simple.

Make sure you are well groomed so you can be confident about your appearance.

Get up in plenty of time so that you are not rushed or late.

Remember they thought highly of you to give you the job in the first place!

Remember they're not expecting you to know everything, and hit the ground running. There's a getting up to speed, period of grace - in good companies, anyway. Cut yourself the same kind of slack. There's shit to learn, and you will learn it - they think you're capable, because they gave you the job, and they sure as hell didn't do that as an act of charity!

Good luck. I hope it goes well.

Thankyou both. I'm just terrified of letting anxiety consume me and making a fool of myself.

I plan on having an early night - even though I know I won't sleep well. It's a horrible feeling of dread even though I know I should be excited. It's like having a dentist appointment or something equally as grim.

I've been into the office a couple of times and everyone seems friendly and welcoming. I'm just worried I'll need some greasy air to escape and I won't be able to.

For the morning, write your timetable on paper and tick off every step complete, absolutely everything- brush teeth, brush hair, shower, dress etc. You'll feel in control of the morning.

At work: bookmark a 2 minute mindfulness video on YouTube or podcast. Keep phone and earphones in your pocket, so if you start to get overwhelmed excuse yourself to the bathroom, earphones in and do the video. Bonus points if you listen to it a few times this evening so its already familiar and soothing.

Just know that in a week or two you will feel more relaxed and comfortable.
This is a good opportunity you could meet some really interesting people, that may become friends out of work and it's always good to learn something new. l am retraining myself to think of best case senario, rather than the worst and it is making a positive difference. Have faith in yourself, they saw your potential, and just try and relax and enjoy it.

For every anxious thought, tell yourself, 'It won't be an issue.' As soon as the thought comes into your head. Sounds daft but it really helps (me at least).

Thankyou all. I guess I'm already blowing all this up out of proportion over 12 hours before I need to even start work.

@grasstreeleaf

For every anxious thought, tell yourself, 'It won't be an issue.' As soon as the thought comes into your head. Sounds daft but it really helps (me at least).

I will try this

I like the 5 senses method for when my anxiety gets the best of me. It helps me focus on something other than feeling like my chest might explode/ running far away...

medium.com/invisible-illness/how-to-use-the-5-senses-method-for-anxiety-fd4795696b3e

Best of luck. They must've liked you to give you the job so try and remind yourself of all the benefits of this job and how you deserve it. X