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.
