Back in 2002 and 2003, I had a daily morning routine that included drinking one of those popular dissolvable packets of vitamin C with a few ounces of water. That was also a time when my anxiety heightened. I am not blaming vitamin C for panic attacks, merely suggesting that there is limited data out there that concretely suggests whether vitamin C reduces or increases anxiety. [Read more…] about Vitamin C and Panic Attacks
Caffeine and Anxiety: Learn Your Max
Everyone has a different tolerance level for caffeine. Everyone’s body reacts differently to intake.
A useful tool for me was determining my caffeine tipping point.
During the height of my anxiety, I was drinking way too many grande Caramel Macchiatos from Starbucks.
Once I realized that caffeine was contributing to my panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, I decided to cut it. [Read more…] about Caffeine and Anxiety: Learn Your Max
Choosing Nothing
My balance can be off-kilter when boredom sets in. That is when I need to remind myself that sometimes, doing nothing is AOK.
Not making a choice is a choice. Accept that fact and use the opportunity for cardio or deep breathing.
Or nothing.
A Steady Diet of Moderation
When you are seeking balance in your life, it is important not to take on too much of anything. Not too much emotion. Not too many potato chips. Not too much exercise. Not too much of ANYTHING.
Easier said than done, I know. Because if you handed me a pint of Cherry Garcia, I would probably eat my words. [Read more…] about A Steady Diet of Moderation
Just Show Up and Get to Work
“Inspiration is for amateurs – the rest of us just show up and get to work.” — Chuck Close, American painter, artist and photographer
It’s true. If we wait for divine intervention, an epiphany, or inspiration, it may never come. Or, if it does, not frequently. [Read more…] about Just Show Up and Get to Work
Music: The Great Equalizer
The benefits of listening to music are manifold.
Whether you are looking to help soothe anxiety, lull yourself to sleep, or increase your concentration, there is a playlist for everything.
[Read more…] about Music: The Great Equalizer
Thought Stopping
Thought stopping technique is so ridiculously simple, that it is impossible to understand its power until you implement it on a regular basis.
This is the gist: if you find your mind wandering down any rabbit holes that have the potential to throw off your equanimity, stop the thoughts in their tracks. [Read more…] about Thought Stopping
Replace “What If” With “What Is”
If I find myself in a situation that is stressing me out, I make sure I swap any “what if” thoughts with “what is.”
I need to credit Soar: The Breakthrough Treatment for Fear of Flying, which was instrumental in helping me get back on an airplane after an 8-year fear-induced hiatus, for this awesome tactic.
More on flying another time.
Executing the “what is” technique is simple. The goal is to surround yourself with facts and data and look at what is actually happening rather than trusting the stories that your brain is manufacturing.
[Read more…] about Replace “What If” With “What Is”
Hydration Is Your Friend
I drink a lot of water. Probably about 100oz. a day.
Keeping a bottle of water at arm’s length has always been helpful for me. At the very least, it gives me something to fumble with if I need a quick distraction. [Read more…] about Hydration Is Your Friend
The Early Morning Smile
When I wake up in the morning, I smile.
That doesn’t mean I always wake up happy. Or that smiling is the first thing that pops into my brain.
But I do it. Everyday. No matter what.