Anxiety & Panic: The Multitasking Cure
Have you heard the saying: If you want something done ask a busy person? You know the type: full time job, full time parent, on the PTA, neighborhood watch, volunteers and always says yes when asked. And somehow it all gets done, on time with ease. This is a great metaphor for treating anxiety & panic. You've got to get busy.
You've also got to do several things at once to ease your symptoms. Here are some examples of activities that can reduce your symptoms of Anxiety and Panic:
- Psychotherapy
- Walking
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Knitting
- Word Puzzles
About 5 & 6: Word Puzzles? Keeping your mind distracted and away from anxious ruminations is very important. Knitting? Keeping your hands occupied on simple busy tasks can be calming and defuse anxious energy. Also, don't limit yourself to what's on the list. Be creative and if something inspires you then do it!
Many skeptics have said to me, "I've tried therapy or I've tried to exercise but it never really helps in the long run. The anxiety always comes back." My stock answer is, "Have you tried them at the same time?" In order for this to work you have to pick at least three things and do them consistently. If it feels too overwhelming to start with three, just choose one activity. Stagger the time for activity number two and then three. For instance, Week one; do the first activity. In week two add a second activity and then in the third week add another activity. What's most important is that it feels manageable to your lifestyle. So get out there and multi-task: Learn to juggle. Keep many balls in the air and your anxiety & panic at bay!
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6
I am looking for treatment for claustrophia. The older I get the worse it gets. I cannot fly in planes, go in elevators or back seats of 2 door cars.i cannot be in any environment where I am locked in and cant get out. I am starting not to be able to leave town even in my car. Can you help or give me a place to start.
By lalalinle June 23, 2008 12:48am
5
Sounds good and I have conquered all my phobias except driving highways and bridges. I was once agoraphobic and my world was very narrow. Today I function normally, with the help of klonopin and effexor, and do not have panic attacks. I've learned to calm myself down if I feel anxious. But I am too afraid to even try the bridges and highways because of the fear of having a panic attack behind the wheel. In my mind it's a lot different than having one in the mall. I know deep down that I have to do it in order to get better but I can't seem to build up the courage. When I'm thinking in a positive mode I tell myself I've come so far, I can accept this limitation. But when I'm feeling negative I tell myself I'm dependent on others and I'm weak. Any suggestions. I wish I could find a therapist familiar with this phobia who would do the drive with me. Going with my husband is not good because he is an excellent driver who will drive anywhere anytime. He would make me more nervous.
By laniescherr May 29, 2008 9:38am
4
Thanks, the main thing I fight is staying busy never thought of word puzzles those I can take to work to help. Activity does keep anxiety down.
By dali06 May 21, 2008 2:41am
3
This actually works well. To borrow a phrase from AA, When I got busy, I got better. Inactivity is our enemy. It gives us unlimited time to sit and dwell on everything. Now trying to stay organized can be a challenge, but all of it is doable. Impossible is nothing. If I can find a way to survive after being beaten within an inch of my life by my abusive ex, that I can surely find a way to knit and watch television at the same time.
By queenvalerie May 16, 2008 4:57am
2
I was always good at doing many things at once, at home and at work. Then they increased our workload by double on the job with no extra help. Then they got extra help and transferred my boss so my coworker & I had to fill the gaps plus do our own work. Then one of our grown kids fell very ill and needed help at home every time her child, our grandchild needed another surgery or procedure. It goes on and on. That is too much multitasking and is what made me sick. Multitasking now makes me VERY anxious. Doc changed meds and I'm hoping I'll recover quickly. I miss my life. I've died inside and want to cry.
By inkspring May 7, 2008 4:35pm
1
I'd never heard that saying, but I won't forget it now--nor the word puzzles idea.
By nicholas May 7, 2008 1:29pm