Writing Challenge Day 19: Overcoming Anxiety

maisiesackett over 3 years ago 1 minute read time

When examined at a micro level, any one event in 2020 could send anxiety skyrocketing, let alone all of these events piling one on top of the other. Talk about an anxiety ball lodged in the pit of your stomach.

Sure, we could curl up and wait for the madness to inch by at a glacial pace while the ball grows and grows. Or we could take control of the ball—why not make it a Ball? Tell the anxiety monsters this is our party.

But how do you do that? Do you focus on only what you can control? Tell yourself not to go too far into hypotheticals? Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself what you’re grateful for each day? Or just look at your dog and smile while telling him how handsome he is?

(I try to do this last one at least 10 minutes/day because just look at that handsome and calming face.)

Let’s all get together in the comments to make this Ball ours. We can work on our adult coloring books or go on long walks while listening to our favorite podcast. It’ll be the best kind of 2020 party—one where we’re all miles away and you don’t even have to see another human if you don’t want to.

What’s your anti-anxiety party trick?

P.S. Judgment is not invited. Don’t try to bring him/her, or you’ll be turned away at the door.

Top Comments

KMSigma.SWI over 3 years ago +1

I try to do one thing each day that I can be proud of. That can be a small technical/work accomplishment, something around the house, or even just a positive interaction with a coworker. Having something…
mjperkins over 3 years ago +1

If I have anything to be anxious about, it is my health. When you're a diabetic kidney transplant recipient, much less one who has required a lot of 'aggressive' treatment to fight off rejection, you have…

adatole over 3 years ago

I recognize that starting at COVID stats, poll numbers, or social media comments about your company (ahem) may have the opposite effect for some, but as I wrote back on day 4 (https://thwack.solarwinds.com/t5/Geek-Speak-Blogs/Writing-Challenge-Day-4-I-Was-Today-Years-Old-When-I-Learned/bc-p/611485/highlight/true#M36396) knowing the facts (ie: data) about what is happening provides me with a sense of clarity, if not comfort.

But I think the key, as is so often the case, is in communication. In this case, it's communication with myself. I have to be open to my own emotional state, and then honest about how that state is effecting me. False bravado, grim determination, or singleminded focus is of no help here.

"It's fine" is good for memes, but not for me.
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gfsutherland over 3 years ago

I guess I am pretty fortunate that my wife and I are pretty adept at de-stressing each other. We always find a way to make each other laugh when things get a little squirrely... 43 year..... it's worked so far!
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ChrystalT over 3 years ago

This is a constant challenge. When I start to feel overwhelmed, the easiest method for me of relaxing and letting go of my worries and anxiety is to go hang out in nature - preferably with no cell reception. I don't always have time for that, and I live in a suburban neighborhood so I really do have to go somewhere. A lot of times just talking to my mom helps tons. I tell her everything, and she always listens (even when she has no idea what I am talking about - like anything tech related). She (and my best friend) are my sounding boards, and always supportive. So, when imposter syndrome starts to take hold or I am stressing out about some upcoming thing I am doing that I haven't done before, I talk to her, my bestie, or both! As rschroeder mentioned, a lot of times the best help is just talking to someone who will listen.
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jeremymayfield over 3 years ago

I always tell my wife and others. Control what you can and do not stress over the rest. Your time if too valuable, your sanity is precious. Don't sweat the small stuff. If we remember to take a minute and look at what is really important, and focus on the have and not the have nots, like starts to become so much easier to manage and maintain.
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janobi over 3 years ago

As someone who suffers from an inferiority complex, it's always hard to overcome anxiety, although im reassured im doing a good job, and a valued member of the team, it's hard to hear nice things. I can deal with critical feedback much better than accepting, that I am valued and integral to the team.
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