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Anxiety on dog walks: Music vs Podcasts

anthony

Founder
Hey Doc, Anthony here. I find myself becoming more anxious by the end of my morning dog walk when listening to music than when listening to podcasts. Is there a reason for this? Do you have other suggestions for me to reduce my anxiety when walking the dogs outside through Melbourne, Australia?
 
Hey Doc, Anthony here. I find myself becoming more anxious by the end of my morning dog walk when listening to music than when listening to podcasts. Is there a reason for this? Do you have other suggestions for me to reduce my anxiety when walking the dogs outside through Melbourne, Australia?
Hi @anthony, thank you for reaching out. It is possible that listening to music is triggering anxiety for you, whereas listening to podcasts may be more calming. Music can elicit strong emotions and memories, which may contribute to feelings of anxiety. Alternatively, if the music you are listening to has a faster tempo or more intense beat, it may be increasing your heart rate and alertness, leading to anxiety.

It's great that you are already aware of the difference in how you feel when listening to music vs. podcasts on your walks. One suggestion I have is to try changing up the music you are listening to. Experiment with different genres or tempos to see if there is a particular type of music that is less likely to cause anxiety for you. You could also try listening to calming sounds, such as nature sounds or white noise, which may be more relaxing.

Another suggestion is to try incorporating mindfulness practices into your walks. Focus on your breath and the sensations in your body as you walk, and try to bring your attention fully to the present moment. This can help to reduce anxiety and improve mindfulness.

Finally, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor about your anxiety and any triggers that you have identified. They can provide additional guidance and support as you work on managing your symptoms.
 
Alternatively, if the music you are listening to has a faster tempo or more intense beat, it may be increasing your heart rate and alertness, leading to anxiety.
I've thought about that, but its not that, I don't believe. I have diverse music taste, I listen to all genres already, pop, hip hop, country, classical, and all seem to do nothing to distract my brain when walking the dogs each morning.

I have used music to distract my brain when on walks, so I don't focus on things around me as much, distraction, trying to keep anxiety to a minimum when outside the house for such a long period.
Another suggestion is to try incorporating mindfulness practices into your walks. Focus on your breath and the sensations in your body as you walk, and try to bring your attention fully to the present moment. This can help to reduce anxiety and improve mindfulness.
Tried this, it didn't work for me.
Finally, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor about your anxiety and any triggers that you have identified. They can provide additional guidance and support as you work on managing your symptoms.
Done this already, nothing gained from it. The outcome was that PTSD is with me for life and some symptoms I simply have to do the best I can with to manage them.

My niece actually introduced me to podcasts on a recent trip, and I found they kept me awake and focused more easily whilst driving long distance than music did, so I've been using it on walks and I find myself more relaxed, happier, but anxiety can still creep in at times, just much less than using music.
 
I've thought about that, but its not that, I don't believe. I have diverse music taste, I listen to all genres already, pop, hip hop, country, classical, and all seem to do nothing to distract my brain when walking the dogs each morning.

I have used music to distract my brain when on walks, so I don't focus on things around me as much, distraction, trying to keep anxiety to a minimum when outside the house for such a long period.
I see, @anthony, thank you for the additional information. If distraction is helpful for you in managing your anxiety during your walks, you could try some different distraction techniques. One technique is to engage your senses – focus on what you see, hear, smell, or touch during your walk. For example, notice the colors of the flowers, the sound of the birds, the scent of the trees, or the feel of the breeze on your skin. This can help to ground you in the present moment and distract your brain from anxious thoughts.

Another technique is to practice mindfulness, as I mentioned earlier. This involves focusing your attention on the present moment, without judgment or distraction. You could try focusing on your breath, the sensations in your body, or the environment around you. Mindfulness can help to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

Another idea is to try incorporating some physical activity during your walks. This can help to release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. You could try jogging for a short period or doing some light bodyweight exercises, such as lunges or squats. Alternatively, you could try walking in a new location or changing up your walking route to add some variety and novelty.

Finally, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor about your anxiety and any additional techniques that may be helpful for you. They can provide additional guidance and support as you work on managing your symptoms.

Tried this, it didn't work for me.
I understand, @anthony. Everyone is different, and not all techniques work for everyone. If mindfulness did not work for you, that is completely okay. Here are some additional suggestions:

- Try practicing relaxation techniques before your walk, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. This can help to calm your body and mind before you head out, making it less likely that anxiety will be triggered during your walk.

- Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy that helps individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. A therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies and help change unhelpful thought patterns.

- Check in with yourself regularly during your walk. Take a few moments to pause and check in with yourself, noticing any anxious thoughts or sensations. Acknowledge them without judgment, and then refocus your attention on the present moment.

- Experiment with different types of distraction techniques, such as listening to audiobooks or engaging in mental exercises. Find what works best for you and incorporate it into your routine.

Remember that managing anxiety is a process and takes time. Be patient with yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for support when you need it.

Done this already, nothing gained from it. The outcome was that PTSD is with me for life and some symptoms I simply have to do the best I can with to manage them.

My niece actually introduced me to podcasts on a recent trip, and I found they kept me awake and focused more easily whilst driving long distance than music did, so I've been using it on walks and I find myself more relaxed, happier, but anxiety can still creep in at times, just much less than using music.
I see, @anthony. It sounds like you have tried different techniques and found what works for you in managing your symptoms. It is important to remember that managing PTSD and anxiety is a process that involves finding strategies and coping mechanisms that work for you as an individual.

It is great that you have found podcasts to be helpful during your walks. As anxiety can still creep in at times, it may be helpful to try combining the use of podcasts with other techniques, such as focusing on your senses or physical activity, as previously mentioned.

Additionally, it may be helpful to continue monitoring your symptoms and identifying triggers as they arise. This can help you to proactively manage any symptoms that may arise during your walks or in other situations.

Remember that managing PTSD and anxiety is an ongoing process, and it is normal to experience setbacks or times when symptoms are more intense. Be kind to yourself, and continue to explore what works best for you in managing your symptoms. If at any point you feel like you need additional support, don't hesitate to seek out professional help.
 
Thanks @Dr. Catalyst for your help.

Quick question... do you have podcasts you can recommend to me that match ones such as "the basement yard" something a little dark and twisted in humour, but real life with a laugh?
 
Thanks @Dr. Catalyst for your help.

Quick question... do you have podcasts you can recommend to me that match ones such as "the basement yard" something a little dark and twisted in humour, but real life with a laugh?
@anthony, you may find the following podcasts to your liking:

1. My Favorite Murder - a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, where they share their favorite murders and discuss the topic with a humorous approach.

2. Last Podcast on the Left - a comedy podcast that covers horror, true crime, and the paranormal. It's hosted by Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski, who have a unique approach to conversational humor.

3. The Dollop - a comedy history podcast hosted by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. It explores the weird and wild stories from American history, from the forgotten scandals to the bizarre events.

4. The Joe Rogan Experience - it's hosted by Joe Rogan, featuring candid conversations with guests from various fields, including science, culture, and comedy. It covers wide-ranging topics, with a mix of insight, humor, and entertainment.

5. The Hilarious World of Depression - hosted by John Moe, it features interviews with various comedians who have struggled with depression. It's funny and poignant, exploring a serious topic with a touch of humor.

I hope these suggestions will be helpful for you. Remember that the most important thing is to find a podcast that you enjoy listening to and that helps you to feel relaxed and distracted during your walks.
 
Ok doc, Anthony again. Tried your recommendations above.

My favourite murder was ok, but I wasn't into it.

Last podcast on the left, the dollop and the hilarious world of depression, I did not like.

Joe rogan is political, and I don't like political comedy.

I found another one similar to the basement yard, ladies & tangents, which is just as hilarious at the basement yard. Using those two podcasts, do you have recommendations matching those two that I could look at? That dark, twisted, comedy couple podcasts?
 
Ok doc, Anthony again. Tried your recommendations above.

My favourite murder was ok, but I wasn't into it.

Last podcast on the left, the dollop and the hilarious world of depression, I did not like.

Joe rogan is political, and I don't like political comedy.

I found another one similar to the basement yard, ladies & tangents, which is just as hilarious at the basement yard. Using those two podcasts, do you have recommendations matching those two that I could look at? That dark, twisted, comedy couple podcasts?
I see, @anthony. I apologize that those recommendations did not work well for you.

Here are some other podcasts that you may find similar to The Basement Yard and Ladies & Tangents:

1. Your Mom's House - a comedy podcast hosted by Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky. They share their life experiences and hilarious observations on various topics.

2. The Fighter and The Kid - a podcast hosted by comedian Bryan Callen and former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub. They discuss various topics and bring on guests from the MMA world and other fields.

3. Legion of Skanks - a comedy podcast hosted by comedians Big Jay Oakerson, Luis J. Gomez, and Dave Smith. They cover a variety of topics, and their humor is often edgy and provocative.

4. Two Bears One Cave - a podcast hosted by comedians Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer. They discuss various topics, share personal stories, and enjoy witty banter with each other.

I hope these suggestions will be more to your liking. Remember that finding the right podcast for you may involve some trial and error, so don't be afraid to explore different options until you find what works for you.
 
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