There are times when my own stress levels get too high and in the last week they have definitely been peaking. I’m very sure that many of you are in a similar state and I thought I’d share my own experience. Please know that I’m sharing my story, not for any sympathy, but to let others know that they’re not alone. In this post and others over the next few days, I’ll also share some of the (non-acupuncture) ways in which I’m managing my own anxiety.
First, I’d like to emphasise that feeling stressed or anxious at the moment is a perfectly natural reaction to what is going on around us right now. It’s okay to feel that way. If we can however, it’s good to start to manage down those high stress/anxiety levels before they become chronic (long term) and lower our immunity.
My anxiety levels were already high
Hubby and I had been due to have a spa break away last weekend, to be combined with a visit to my parents for Mother’s Day. This was one way of managing down our stress levels following family illness and bereavement and busy times at work. I was also managing this by having more acupuncture treatments myself (see here for how acupuncture helps) but honestly, I was looking forward to that break away even more. Inevitably, that break was then cancelled. We’d already realised that non-essential travel, even within the UK, wasn’t in anyone’s best interests and my parents, having health conditions, opted to self-isolate. Added to this I then found out that I had to close my business temporarily and contact my clients to let them know. My anxiety was definitely spiking at this point.
When clients come to me suffering with stress, I almost always quote the airplane safety instructions “put on your own lifejacket first” and explain that you can’t effectively look after others until you look after yourself. Time to walk the walk!
Time to chill
So, my first task this week to help in managing my anxiety, was taking a few days to “chill”. No pressure to “do everything right” – to eat healthy, to exercise, to do the housework etc. Just time to decompress and breathe!
I read a book (a whole one from start to finish!), went for a walk each day, chatted online with friends and family. I watched craft videos on YouTube and travel videos to see where we might want to go when travel restrictions are lifted, whenever that may be. I spent too much time reading the news but I’m not beating myself up over it. It’s my way of processing what’s happening.
Taking that time out was really important. I couldn’t have my break away but I could have a break from the routine. I did some of the things I look forward to doing on holiday; reading, eating what I want and even though it’s the UK and it’s only March, enjoying the weather.
Now I feel just a little more sane and grounded and feel that I can make more effective decisions. I can go back to basics and apply what I know from my Traditional Chinese Medicine studies.
Over the next week or so I’ll be implementing small lifestyle changes that help me in managing my anxiety levels back down to what is normal for me (there’s always still a little) and sharing them here.