Toolkit: Handling Being Out & About

[GreenFrog2]

For small trips like shopping my toolkit is pretty much internalized - I can put quite a bit of pressure on myself (when needed) to get through 1 errand, I think of it as exposure therapy!

For bigger trips I take: my iPod with a range of music; a hanky; water; micro-recording of guided meditation; sunglasses; and a book / newspaper.

I also take a plan (in my head - I used to need post it notes) of reminders on how to react in certain situations. So, if I get stressed, or worse, I know how I will handle it on that occasion. I am going to an event on the weekend and will take all of the above.

The stress management plan is that I will talk to people who approach me about: the weather (it's been really hot here); similar events I have been to, and ask them if they know of anything similar happening in the near future....(If I get really stressed I will find a bathroom and listen to my meditation tape).

Afterwards I think about:
1/ how much I enjoyed it, and what bits I enjoyed the most - no warpy thinking!
2/ evaluate how well I coped, especially with anything unexpected that may have happened (as it so often does)
3/ praise myself for what I accomplished, and the positive things that happened.

 

[KP the nut]

The need to obsessively plan has gone away.

Yay, I am so happy for you. I have also reached that stage, well for local journeys and journeys that I know well.

I am undertaking longer journeys as needed and for those I must know exactly where I am going. My H had a journey last week and 3 of the roads he used were closed and he came an alternative way. That situation would have thrown me into a blind panic. Any deviation to my plan and I can't cope still.

 

[safenow]

My tool kit consists of a smooth rock, a pencil, a keyring, a swatch of several clothes (satin, flannel, wool, cotton), in different colors, a small bottle of cinnamon, and a bottle of water with lemon (when possible). Now, I've added my Kindle with several different books on it, my cell phone, house keys, Kleenex, a talking watch, and glasses. That way I can play my 5-4-3-2-1 game if I need to, or find a bathroom and read either something funny or uplifting or just the words of how to do the game. I have taste, touch, smell, sight, sound.

Oh yes, and my wheelchair.

 

[NarcSis]

I am down to carrying just my cellphone and a book bag. Somehow feel safer carrying the larger bag...? Used to carry magazines, or bright markers and my shiny bracelet but I gradually pared it down.

I can usually find a tactile, visual or scented distraction easily enough while shopping now.

 

[Meadowsweet]

I carry a phone, my purse, a crystal and some lavender oil.

Like others have mentioned, I like to know where I'm going and will memorise the route. Street view is excellent for familiarising oneself with where to go.

 

[safenow]

I almost forgot to mention my one staple now. (It's been so long since I've been out and about I forgot actually.)
I have an alarm pen that I wear around my neck when I go downtown. It screams when I need to.

 

[who am i kim]

Well I liked reading all you replies and I can only add that I do not go out if it is too busy, Husband drives that way the other drivers don't have to put up with my rage, I only drive to the local shops and only if well enough and then I do not park close to the shops as other drivers/people could set me off ( Super Market). I do not like to shop when there is lots of people around less the better. Never ever want to drive in peak hour traffic. They are so many triggers out there in the world that could set you off. I always have my diary with important ph. numbers in it too with me.

 

[Britt.f7]

I don't bring anything extra with me. The less the better. I did have my ipod one time while grocery shopping and forgot it every time since. I tend to really focus on what I'm doing so that I don't have to notice all the people. Probably why it takes me forever to shop sometimes. I always pray and hope that I do not run into anyone I know because of my paranoia that they will think something judgmental of me. I stay clear of busy aisles. I guess I just try and tune out the noise around me.

 

[BloomInWinter]

I'm now happy mostly with my purse, money, chapstick, and my phone. But I can be ok now without any of these.

 

[safenow]

Now, I only take my teddy bear, as it is my 5-4-3-2-1 game, and my purse, with a cell phone in it.

 

[Marguerite]

I carry many if the items listed by others. I also carry lavender scented hand cream to massage into my hands to keep me calm and to help me focus.

 

[Bosco2153]

Purse with house key, loose dull clothing, hair in a messy 'do', :cautious: cough drops, sunglasses, reading glasses, sweater or jacket, cell phone.