Recovering anxiety patient

For a significant amount of time, I struggled with anxiety that significantly impeded my daily tasks.

Having dealt with that anxiety to the best of my ability, I occasionally humorously refer to myself as a recovering anxiety patient, acknowledging the possibility of occasional setbacks. I managed my anxiety by undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy with a therapist during my counselling sessions and also practised meditation and mindfulness.

By using these methods, I was able to shift my thinking patterns and let go of old, outdated beliefs. Additionally, I have cultivated specific habits and behaviours aimed at avoiding stressful situations. The following list outlines strategies that assist me in sidestepping preventable stress:

Arrive on time

For meetings or events where being on time is crucial, I typically opt to leave early for the appointment. I'd rather arrive early and have some extra time to spare than worry about running late. Factors like traffic, unexpected delays, or trouble finding parking can all lead to tardiness.

There are occasions when I attempt to be less strict with my schedule, departing at the "appropriate" or "usual" time, yet I often end up feeling remorseful. Once I realize that I am running out of time and could potentially be late, I start to feel more anxious and lose focus while driving, increasing the risk of a traffic incident. I prefer to face ridicule for being punctual.

Save money

Even though my dad playfully called me stingy once, I see myself as financially cautious and choose to save whenever I can. Embracing a simple lifestyle, my boyfriend and I have our own apartment and don't have the added expenses of raising children or pets. We both enjoy inexpensive hobbies. I value spending on experiences that are meaningful to me, like going to cafes and restaurants occasionally, and I concentrate on self-care and educational activities that help me grow personally.

Having a small savings account makes me feel more secure, and I find peace in not having unnecessary financial concerns. It proved useful when I was unexpectedly laid off at the start of the year. I was confident I could cover my expenses and maintain a relatively stress-free lifestyle. Overall, I believe that saving money can provide a sense of tranquillity if circumstances allow for it.

Be prepared

To get ready for demanding times or occasions such as the approaching Christmas season, I begin my preparations well in advance. Since I have family living abroad, I ensure that completing their gifts is a top priority for me. This allows me to send the package to them before the post office gets crowded. Additionally, I start planning for Christmas gifts early on to distribute the expenses over several months and reduce the financial burden.

During Christmas, numerous individuals are overwhelmed with tasks, making it highly beneficial to begin preparations in advance to feel more at ease as the festive season draws near. While I may not experience as much stress as others do before Christmas, I am aware of my tendencies well enough to understand that I can quickly become unbalanced if things don't go as planned. Therefore, I prefer to stay organized and keep my to-do list well-defined.

Make less demands

Many times, we feel the need to do things a certain way or perfectly, only to realize that the pressure for perfection comes from within ourselves. For instance, during Christmas, you can ease your own expectations by opting for ready-made cookie dough instead of baking from scratch just to enjoy the festive aroma. Similarly, you don't have to give extravagant gifts because the essence of Christmas lies in cherishing moments with your loved ones rather than material possessions.

Here are some strategies I have developed to avoid situations that may trigger worry and anxiety. The specific triggers vary from person to person, so it is important for each individual to identify their own challenges and plan accordingly. Additionally, maintaining a consistent routine, ensuring sufficient sleep, and striving for balance can be beneficial.