What do you do anxiety when creeps up?
Anxiety is a b*tch. It hits me often. Lately I’ve been having bouts of anxiety while creating our new website. I’m getting thrashed by rouge waves of fear which all hum to the tune of “I’m making irreparable mistakes and that I will ultimately fail.” Side note, fear of failure plays a huge role in my life…. But alas, that’s another email for another day.
When anxiety shows up, I don’t always have a way out of it. Yet sometimes my Angels are looking out for me I remember to follow my check list for staying at peace with myself and the wild uncertainty that is the human experience of post COVID life in 2022.
My anxiety checklist looks like this:
Share My Anxiety / Fear / Negative Self Talk with Others
I call my dad when the dark clouds roll in. Most of the time I’m looking to be heard. I don’t need any fixing, I just need to be heard and feel like my feeling are valid. If my dad isn’t available I’m calling my wife. Sometimes I’m embarrassed to share my inner thoughts with my wife because I feel like it’s my duty to have my sh*t together. Spoiler alert, my sh*t isn’t together as often as you may think.
Move My Body
After I’ve shared my thoughts and I’m still feeling in a funk, if I move my body I can flip most frowns upside down. I can go from zero to hero in a mater of minutes. Moving my body helps me get back into my body and the present moment. That looks like going on a walk or run with Olivia (my dog child) or doing a full body STEAM.
Play
If my first two attempts at quelling my anxiety clouds have failed, it’s time to connect to my inner child. I normally take a moment and do something that my young boy self would have loved to do. Right now that’s looking like kick a soccer ball in my backyard or play some video games.
Anxiety isn’t always my enemy. It can help my get things done or inform me when a situation isn’t the best for me to be a part of. Befriending the present moment is key for me and may help you when you are feeling the waves of uncertainty roll on through.
If you want join me in our movement revolution, you can join me live on zoom four times a week in STEAM. Email getmoving@rnd-fitness.com for more information and a sample workout.
Onwards!
Ray
