How Do You Vent Your Anxiety?

[Manic11]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering....
What you use as a vent for your anxiety?


Manic

 

[purplejaz]

Housework...suddenly everything needs cleaning!

Cheers Jazzi

 

[Deleted member 541]

LOL!!!! I used to do the housework thing too, when my anxiety flared. My house was always clean.....

 

[cat]

At first I battled with my psychologist over this who felt that I was using too much exercise as a way of avoiding my anxiety & I know have to agree with her that relaxation is the way to go, don't you just hate it when these people are proved right!
my way of dealing with anxiety is to sit in a Hot-tub\Spa, preferably outside, I find because it stops me tensing up I have less muscle pain afterwards & usually after about an hour I can come up with a sensible explanation for my anxiety instead of automatically blaming my trauma.

 

[Yang]

Has anyone tried aerobatics? I did and it's like you're born again after an adrenaline rush like that :D

 

[Marlene]

I love the housework answer. Actually my house not being neat and tidy makes my anxiety rise. Putting things back to right helps tremendously.

To vent it I try to write (type...since I type at the speed of my thoughts). Sometimes an email to a friend, my diary or just type it all out and then delete the page. I sing. This is really useful since my anxiety recently has gotten bad while I'm driving (new thing...thanks PTSD!). To keep myself in the here and now singing helps a lot.

If the anxiety has gotten a good hold on me I find a good cry (even for just a minute) helps so much to release the pressure that's built up inside of me. Exercising is a good way for me to release anxiety. And if there's nothing scheduled I can always pace up and down the hallway and around the kitchen until I get rid of that burst of energy.

Lisa

 

[SGT Bilko]

I use to drink... now i ride my mountain bike. I tend to get a little self destructive though because i am a total novice and take trails that are too advanced. I keep going over my handlebars and falling on hard rock. I'm all cut up my palms are hamburger. I'm just an adrenaline junkie i guess. To truly feel hurt means i'm really consentrated on the pain and nothing else. So im going to invest in safty equipment this month so i'm just a little less self distructive.

 

[Grama-Herc]

Must admit---I Go To Bed.

 

[kers]

I used to self-harm, numb out, or cry. These days, I can use deep breathing, positive(ish) self-talk, physical activity and distractions to help me manage--but tears and dissociation are still high on my list.

 

[pianogirl]

I did the unhealthy stuff, too: drinking and cutting. OK. Yes, I still drink.

I do brief yoga stretches, deep breathing. Sometimes I have to stand quietly in a bathroom stall or some quiet corner with my back against the wall and just breathe slowly (ujayi type of breathing). I am artistic, so I use my music, writing, and poetry to help me out. During one of my acting stints, I discovered dance--more like movement. Sometimes I wish I had a dance studio room to myself so I can roll around and jump and make some funky choreography.

Peace and healing,

pianogirl

 

[skyp56]

I ride my upright bike. Or I pace. Or I do housework; vacuuming helps me, or scrubbing the floors or tub. I pay for it later, though, because of my fibromyalgia; sitting through flare-ups of pain, every evening, is horrible. I need to stretch first, I guess.

Though, I must admit, my poor husband gets freaked when I pace or clean fanatically.

I like the singing idea. I'm going to try that one.

Best wishes
skyp

 

[Manic11]

Mhm. Singing definitely works.

I just have a problem with using alcohol as medicine to help with my anxiety. I need to find a new vent for that. I want to find one that can help when I get an anxiety attack when Im at work or out in public.
A healthy one... Too many of the ones I have are unhealthy...