Tag: anxiety

Pregaming

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Sometimes when I go out, I have a quick drink or two before I head off. Like maybe I’m going to a bar, but I don’t want to be all uptight when I get there, so I have a couple shots with my mates before I head out.

Done right, it saves me some time, (and possibly money) and I still  get to enjoy the night without embarrassment.

Likewise, whenever I’m going into a stressful situation, I like to make sure I’m ready. Not by drinking – tequila doesn’t help – but by going through a checklist.

My Pre-Game Ritual

  • I exercise a bit. 30 minutes a day, every two days.
  • I sleep 7.5 hours – no alarm, I just want to wake when rested.
  • I eat good things – steering clear of crap food and focusing on fresh and clean makes my mind clear.
  • Avoiding booze/caffeine – it means I’m operating without anything clouding my head.

If I do these things, then I know I’m in the best possible shape to deal with whatever stressful thing may be happening.

I’m ready for the big game.

Anxiety Party

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It’s a three-day festival like mardi gras! Except instead of beers and beads and boobs there’s anxiety and headaches and frustration! And instead of floats there’s bouts of crippling doubt that make it hard to get out of bed or leave the house! And this metaphor has kind of gone off track, except that the time frame is still accurate! I can’t believe I’ve been like this for three days already!

WOOHOO

Autoclave

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There’s a small space in the centre of my chest, just to the right of my heart. It is inconspicuous most of the time, but when feelings of confused anger and uncertainty get too much, it activates.

Suddenly my chest cavity gets blasted with super-heated doubt and self loathing. This high-pressure scalding is no less painful than the rage and disappointment that bubbled and schlorped around before,but it’s different. It is a change from before, and I welcome this difference.

At least for a while. Even autoclaves have safety valves.