Being Hopeful
New Here
Hey all,
Since I've joined this forum (which was right after my last "episode"), I've been making changes here and there that I have to say have been making a great improvement in how I feel and deal with anxiety and such.. Some of this will not be applicable to all, I know, but I thought I'd share anyway and maybe someone will get some ideas to help in their walk.
First off, I have completely eliminated processed and fast food. I do not eat anything with sugar in it (or, God forbid, high-fructose corn syrup). If it is white, it isn't right -- I stopped eating pasta, sugar, potatoes, bread, white rice, cereal, etc. I stick with protein (never fried) and greens and beans. I've noticed that alone has kept my mood stable, my stomach pains have all been eliminated, and I have plenty of energy.
Also, I go for a walk at least 6 days a week. I walk about 5 miles a day, not slow, not too fast, about as fast as though I was on my way to an appointment and don't want to be late. I also got some resistance bands which I work out with 3 times a week. I have found that exercise has been really good at calmly burning up all that "inside" nervousness and anxiety and is quite effective.
The sad thing is that we are basically told through various media and articles that one needs to train like an NFL rookie in training camp to get any real effect from it. This is not so. The way i do it is so that I never put myself at risk for injury or over-training.
An additional side effect to all of this is that hey, I am getting in pretty good shape. It is a nice feeling to see how my body is changing, clothes fitting differently, and of course weight loss. I'm not suggesting that looking good is equal to feeling good, but I can't deny that I like the added bonus.
I have stopped watching TV entirely, except for watching NFL football -- which has always been a favorite of mine. I've found that if I objectively think about what is on TV it is rife with depressing themes, pie in the sky fantasy, along with constant commercials pounding into my brain that what I am or have is not good enough -- spend more and you'll feel better is the mantra of commercials.
I have stopped listening to angry or depressing music as well. Goodbye Marilyn Manson, Black Sabbath, Godsmack, etc. It is counter-productive for me to listen to that music while at the same time trying to maintain a peaceful, serene mind set. I still listen to music all the time, especially when I go on my walks, but now I choose to listen to music that has uplifting themes and is happy. What a difference this has made!!!
Another thing I did was develop a friendship with someone that I can talk to about anything and everything and get some honest feedback. Someone I can call when things are great or when all Hell breaks loose, who is glad to hear from me and enjoys the company. I guess this falls into the "well, no kidding" category, but I had to include it because it has been a significant help to me.
Lastly, being a part of this forum has been a great asset as well, I enjoy reading how others cope, what works and what doesn't, and of course being able to freely read or add input at almost anytime.
Thank you all for this forum and your feedback and I wish all of you the best on your path..
"If it is to be then it is up to me"
Since I've joined this forum (which was right after my last "episode"), I've been making changes here and there that I have to say have been making a great improvement in how I feel and deal with anxiety and such.. Some of this will not be applicable to all, I know, but I thought I'd share anyway and maybe someone will get some ideas to help in their walk.
First off, I have completely eliminated processed and fast food. I do not eat anything with sugar in it (or, God forbid, high-fructose corn syrup). If it is white, it isn't right -- I stopped eating pasta, sugar, potatoes, bread, white rice, cereal, etc. I stick with protein (never fried) and greens and beans. I've noticed that alone has kept my mood stable, my stomach pains have all been eliminated, and I have plenty of energy.
Also, I go for a walk at least 6 days a week. I walk about 5 miles a day, not slow, not too fast, about as fast as though I was on my way to an appointment and don't want to be late. I also got some resistance bands which I work out with 3 times a week. I have found that exercise has been really good at calmly burning up all that "inside" nervousness and anxiety and is quite effective.
The sad thing is that we are basically told through various media and articles that one needs to train like an NFL rookie in training camp to get any real effect from it. This is not so. The way i do it is so that I never put myself at risk for injury or over-training.
An additional side effect to all of this is that hey, I am getting in pretty good shape. It is a nice feeling to see how my body is changing, clothes fitting differently, and of course weight loss. I'm not suggesting that looking good is equal to feeling good, but I can't deny that I like the added bonus.
I have stopped watching TV entirely, except for watching NFL football -- which has always been a favorite of mine. I've found that if I objectively think about what is on TV it is rife with depressing themes, pie in the sky fantasy, along with constant commercials pounding into my brain that what I am or have is not good enough -- spend more and you'll feel better is the mantra of commercials.
I have stopped listening to angry or depressing music as well. Goodbye Marilyn Manson, Black Sabbath, Godsmack, etc. It is counter-productive for me to listen to that music while at the same time trying to maintain a peaceful, serene mind set. I still listen to music all the time, especially when I go on my walks, but now I choose to listen to music that has uplifting themes and is happy. What a difference this has made!!!
Another thing I did was develop a friendship with someone that I can talk to about anything and everything and get some honest feedback. Someone I can call when things are great or when all Hell breaks loose, who is glad to hear from me and enjoys the company. I guess this falls into the "well, no kidding" category, but I had to include it because it has been a significant help to me.
Lastly, being a part of this forum has been a great asset as well, I enjoy reading how others cope, what works and what doesn't, and of course being able to freely read or add input at almost anytime.
Thank you all for this forum and your feedback and I wish all of you the best on your path..
"If it is to be then it is up to me"
