Living in the present and actions to reduce anxiety

Hi everyone! My stomach is always in a knot and - no matter what method I employ - I still get those waves of nervousness, nausea and feelings of doom on occasion. Some doctors and pharmacists suggest that aging plays a big role in developing anxiety disorders. Every aspect of your mind and body become less resilient. Since aging is inevitable, I am trying to accept the fact that I may never feel as well as I once did. Meditation, body scan meditation, and a dose of Prozac are all helping me rein in the anxiety beast. But I still keep hoping for a “cure”!!

I also want to add a couple of my thoughts about living in the present. I’m 75. In the past year I have lost 5 friends. I thought I was handling these life issues well but my anxiety attacks increased markedly over the past year. I often try to envision life without my wonderful husband, and I simply cannot. So there’s a simmering fear of that challenge. I do make every effort to be mindful of the present and practice gratefulness for our present good health and other blessings. Making a list of these assets has helped me. When I get “spooked” about the what-ifs, I read that list. It helps me to live in the present.

I think that is an excellent practice! Counting our blessings instead of focusing on our fears! I am so sorry for your loss! You have have a lot to deal with, with the loss of 5 friends! May you take time to grieve your losses. I think it is the uncertainty and that we have no control is the hardest thing. That ultimately God is in control of our circumstances and our future. At least that is what I believe! May you find peace and rest in Him.

@annedodrill44 Try practising what in Yoga is called "Pranayama." It is a method of breathing. Some people call it Meditation. Please google it for detailed information. God bless you.

Hi, you and I are about the same age, and I understand how scary the future can be. I was married for over 40 years and discovered infidelity on my husband’s part. That was it. I filed for divorce. That was a frightening time in my life but I made it. Because I went through the same thing with a recent partner I am again on my own. You are stronger than you think and can handle what comes your way. I talk myself out of looking too far ahead. You will be fine!

Just a note to say that having lost friends and family is an understandable reason to feel on edge. That's been my experience. Since I'm an animal lover and have felt that loss as well, I am obsessed, and that's really the word, obsessed that something will happen to my beloved dog.

Regarding not seeing the sun, when I was living in Chicago, I was at work and staring out the window at the continuous gray sky. I went to the fabric store. I bought a couple yards of bright sunshine yellow cotton fabric. I hung the fabric just as it was, on my office wall in front of my desk right next to the window. I spent many minutes a day just looking at my yellow wall. It actually worked for me. And was a conversation piece for everyone who walked in.
Oh, the full spectrum light bulbs I mentioned before are what they use for plants. They mimic the sun. I'm thinking that's what those light boxes are if I'm not mistaken.

I also struggle with the "what-if's". Continually reminding myself this thinking zaps my energy and I really don't like wasting my energy. My 2 cents worth.

@parus
That was a powerful statement and worth lots more than 2 cents. Let's call it your $50 worth!

Thanks for reminding us how creativity can help change our moods, @georgette12. The way you changed your work environment changed your mood and uplifted the spirits of others.