Small steps support thread?

[Soddingepiphany]

I was thinking of making some small changes to try to get on top of my anxiety and wondered if anyone wanted to join me? Just recently my anxiety has gone through the roof and I have given myself gastritis with all the stressing, the anxiety is starting to feel overwhelming so I NEED to be proactive, not something that will come easily when I just want to curl up in a ball and hide from the world!

My plan for this morning is to actually eat even though I feel sick. Then I will get dressed and take my toddler and dog for a walk. My longer term plan is to get on my cross trainer regularly, do some of that mindful colouring (I thought it was a faddy thing but it does help me stop thinking for a while), and to take it one day at a time!

If anyone wants to join me please do.

If I started to do the washing up in session I suspect she would go and get the dirty cups out of the office and hand them over. She has quite the repertoire of paradoxical interventions.

I am tempted to try this now.

Comealongpond89 I am sorry to hear that you have been having panic attacks. I find the physical symptoms of anxiety difficult to deal with. Do you have a plan for who will take care of dd were anything to happen to you? Apologies in advance if this question is not helpful.

Oh and welcome to the thread Comealongpond89.

Maybe she would ask you to do the washing up mindfully..

Unlikely. She's more likely to suggest that I smash the crockery and then ask how it feels to be asked to destroy things, at which point I plan to freak out at how on earth she managed to make the washing up became about my feelings.

Sometimes it's hard to engage. I never wanted to be someone with flaws, with imperfections, even with negative feelings. I have always been strong, and that's what I hoped to continue to be throughout therapy. It was/ is the hardest thing for me to dig deep, think honestly and be truly vulnerable in front of my therapist.

So I'm in work now, it's good I have done a few hours already. Still anxious though. Anxiety sucks.

I find the physical symptoms of anxiety draining.

I am off today, going to do something small-step-Ish. Self-care, self-care, self-care.

Housework this morning. Far from my favourite.

Anyone else doing any small steps this Sunday?

I am going for a walk which I try to do every day. And I need to attend to admin- that is making me anxious, so I will just do one thing.
Hope you have a calm day erinaceous and others.

I am calm so far, and have cleaned the kitchen, so am currently awarding myself a metaphorical medal. 🥇.

I need to leave the flat soon. I need to collect a parcel before the parcel collections point closes later this afternoon. Trying to have a shower and get dressed first. Keep doing other things instead.

Me too. Am going in the bath shortly and for that walk.

How did you get on?

Ok, hhad the bath and git out to the beach which was beautiful. Walked in the sea and sat on the rocks. Really lovely. Only just back.
No admin though . Will update on that one .
How about you,maid you make it for the parcel?

Indeed, I made it out for the parcel and back again. Productive day today. Housework plus errand.

How are you doing Aintgotnosoapbox?

I am doing okay today so far.

Hi Erin, thanks for asking. I had a bit of a dip, feeling low and anxious , a bit better today. I forget to look after myself and really over do it then wonder why I'm exhausted and low.
Small steps sounds great for today , then. I have one admin chore to do ( am pleased to say have already opened a chunk of letters) that's urgent. And one thing to do for myself, maybe a walk :)

Shit. Have just been bereaved. That's a bit rubbish. (Understatement.)

Hi Guys,
Hope I'm ok to join, im also a fellow anxiety sufferer, have been for years, although only just realising it, sympathy to you all, anxiety sucks 😞

Erin- I'm so sorry, sending condolences to you , try to look after yourself.
Hi scorchio , am myself new to this thread but welcome:)
My small step for today is to do the chore I didn't do yesterday lol.

Thanks Aint

This is the first time I can say I've felt like this after a bereavement. I think it's grief but I feel awful. I agree RE taking care of myself, can be hard to do though, and then berate myself because I am trying to keep on top of eating, sleeping, fresh air and all that but I feel terrible.

Welcome scorcio5

Oh dear, it's so hard to deal with things on top of existing problems. I can only advise to allow the grief and rest, try not to fight it, and ask for help if you are struggling.

Just woke up with what I suspect is a tooth infection. I am run down at the moment, definitely need some resting, also have neglected my dental care lately as keep falling asleep without brushing my teeth.

I have a week off work next week taking a course in my hobby. I am looking forward to this. I think I will go to the emergency dentist this morning to see if this is indeed an infection. I've had them before and they are agonising, I'd rather get some antibiotics if the dentist thinks that I need them. Not a very cheerful small step though.

Hope a small stepping weekend is in order for everyone.