Signed off work with anxiety, need ideas of what to how to spend this time

[bankholidayblue]

I've been signed off work for two weeks for anxiety. I was crying, overwhelmed, feeling a deep sense of dread and anxiety all day everyday.

Today is the second day off. I've gone for a walk and sat in a park for a bit which was nice and have spent time with family. I'm recently started taking medication which should start working within the next two weeks.

I'm not really sure what to do.

Take it easy, mostly!

Going out for walks is a good idea, as would be any other kind of exercise you like.

Time for yourself.

Go to the cinema, read a book, watch a film, binge a series on Netflix.

And sleep/rest.

Hope you're feeling better soon

Well.....relax. Any jobs need doing? I'd get stuck into them, then a walk, then reading, going online and watching films, then cooking. Do things slowly and get early nights. Lots of self care x and no thinking about work.

You need time to relax, what sort of things do you enjoy. You dont need to do anything if you dont want to, just sitting being quiet, having a lavender bath, sorting old clothes out can feel quite relaxing.

Gentle exercise. If you fancy it some yoga or Pilates, or swimming.

Have a look at meditation or mindfulness classes around you or online.

Meet up with friends if you feel up to it.

Watch loads of Netflix and sleep as much as you need to.

Sorry to hear this. I hope this down time helps.
I suffer badly with anxiety and I would suggest a daily walk with headphones and music or a podcast ( explore podcasts about any interests you have) or start an Audible subscription, pottering in the garden if you like that kind of thing (buy cheap bedding plants and fill pots) baking, Netflix or a film binge, read, doodle/ draw, write a journal, meet a friend for coffee xx

Yes agree take it easy. If you are up to it, maybe in a few days, try to identify how you will deal with going back to work. For me (sounds silly) I would give myself a pep talk before work saying I can do this, I will be fine and also worked on my breathing. If I felt overwhelmed I would pop to the toilet and just control my breathing. New habits/hobbies things to enjoy outside of work to.

Hope you feel some relief with your tablets soon. Mindfulness is great to.

Think of what makes you happy.
Are there any things in particular that make you anxious? Maybe make some lists and see if you can find any strategies that may help reduce the anxiety. Eg my messy house upsets me, I try and make lists of things that need doing so I can tackle a bit at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole thing.

Maybe try a new hobby. One you can continue with when you go back to work, and use as a way to unwind. Even something as simple as adult colouring in is relaxing and easy to pick up.
If you have a garden, get some bright and cheery flowers for it. Make it into a nice little space for yourself.

Don't use the time away from work to take on other stresses, particularly other people's. This time is for you.

Potter about - try not to put pressure on yourself to do useful or constructive things. By all means do them if you enjoy them, but don't feel you have to achieve specific things. Be spontaneous.

Gentle exercise, housework, socialising and alone time. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do anything but keep busy-ish.

Is it the job making you anxious? If so maybe spend some time thinking about what you'd like to do

It sounds like you have made a good start. Walks, appreciating nature, mindfulness all good. You could try swimming, doing youtube exercises or yoga, or you could lounge on sofa watching all the DVDs you have never watched or films on streaming services.......
If you have only recently started medication be careful not to return to work too soon. A referral to Occupational Health may be advantageous, eg may suggest phased return.

Sorry to hear this. I agree with others, take it easy. Maybe get into a routine, like a walk in the morning and afternoon, something like that. Stick to mealtimes and don't spend all day in bed. Getting dressed is good as well.
Can I ask, did anything trigger this?

I did a couple of baking classes when I was signed off - it got me out the house (which was the goal) and thinking of something else.