Anxiety quick fixes?

[christmascrisis]

I'm going through a bit of a stressful time at the moment, my mum has just been diagnosed with cancer and waiting for results to find out the prognosis, I have a new and stressful job with lots of approaching deadlines, and a milestone birthday before the end of the month.

I feel constantly sick, manic, utterly terrified and shaky. I can't stop thinking about the worst possible outcomes and the line between rational and irrational is completely blurred in my head.

I don't have any history of mental illness but I am a massive worrier. Is there something I can do/take to take the edge off a bit so I can function?

I'm not registered with a GP so don't really want to go down that route if I can help it. I just want something to get me through the next few weeks without completely cracking up.

Sympathies. Are fresh air and gardening/running/dogwalking/litterpicking any help? Or clean the windows. Routine, non-taxing mentally but quite tiring, that's what I'd try (and if it doesn't help, well, at least you have cleaner windows).

I'm not much of a gardener but the rest I could get into! I've been exercising more recently to try and tire myself out and release some endorphins, but cleaning is a good idea too - sense of satisfaction and getting on top of things is probably handy!

I tend to try to clean things outside the house because the inside is past praying for!

Totally agree with Lance Get out into the open air as much as poss.
I'm not much of a Gardener either, but yesterday I did a massive sweep up outside and today we've been for a big walk...it'll help, honest.
Oh and some nice long hot baths!!

Yoga
Gardening
Music- although I appreciate it's v difficult to get the right music
Singing

Thanks all. Any suggestions for when - like right now - I'm laying awake trying to calm down enough to sleep? I downloaded a couple of relaxation apps which work for a little while.

Breathe into your abdomen. You're probably breathing into your chest. Also focus on your body (gets you out of your head), maybe do a body scan head to feet. It's nice to think of the bed supporting you (rather than you lying on the bed) - helps to let go of tension.

Fresh air, camomile tea, valerian tea, lavender on your pillow, all help with sleep.

Deep breathes, in through the nose, out through the mouth.
Rain sounds, I have anxiety and this has helped me sleep/relax enough to sleep many times.
No screens at least an hour before you go to bed.
Hot baths.
Walks
Tea!
A craft, I find it very relaxing and my mind feels calmer.
Before you go to sleep, write things down, such as a to do list or maybe keep a little diary of your feelings just to get it out and it won't be floating round your head in the late/early hrs.
These have all helped me cope with my anxiety, panic attacks and subsequent depression.

Oh and if you feel like crying let it out, I say this as someone who has tried to hold it all in and got quite ill as a result of it.

Quick QUICK fixes that worked for me:

Running cold water on the inside of my wrists.

And

As cheesy as it sounds "This too will pass". It took a while but it does work/

A really good book is panicking about panic by Josh Fletcher, really helped me.

Also Mindfulness, have been doing a mindfulness cd at night and it def helps.

Cutting down on sugar and caffeine.