My special place

@Captain24 what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. I have tried numerous things and the things I listed seem to work for me. I use ice and ice packs quite a bit. It also helps with my self harm thoughts. Am actually using an ice pack at the moment.

Do what works for you, do what you think is right. No body can be in your head except you. You know yourself better then anyone else does.

I’ve got a list to try @Snowie. I’ve been doing some of it to help try and reduce the anxiety.

She knows me pretty well so her suggestions were tailored to me. She knows a can’t meditate but she suggested church as it’s a ritual and is a form of meditation. But I’m struggling to leave the house so I can’t go.

I hope your ice pack is helping.

Hey @Captain24 sorry to hear you're having a rough time today. I'm glad you took your time with the lawn, it's good to go at a slower pace and take a rest when needed.

Sounds like @Snowie has some awesome suggestions. I will add one too - I learned that our heart rate increases and decreases with our breath. When we breathe in, it quickens slightly, and when we breathe out, it slows down. So my favourite breathing technique is the 4-7-8.

Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7, and breathe out for 8 counts ('counts' doesn't have to mean a measurement of seconds, just a counting pace that feels comfortable). Because you spend much more time exhaling, it actually does slow your heart rate, which in turn can help ease some physical feelings of anxiety.

I hope you find something that works for you this arvo, and I'm around if you need 💜

Thanks @Jynx I try and count my breathing too when I get anxious.

@Captain24 I find meditating useless. I have tried it numerous times, could never do it and just got more angry at myself for not being able to do it. I also find the notion of church not for my liking either.

However, there are people who swear by these, and they are real helpful to them. Each of us is so different so what works for one doesn't work for another.

Also, if you do like church and you think you just can't make it, is there anyway you could join in online. I do know that different churches do online sessions as well as in person. It might be a way that you can still go.

Thank @Jynx I’ll try that breathing. My breathing at the moment is pretty rapid. Taking a deep breath actually hurts. my hands, feet and face have gone numb again.

Church is not for everyone @Snowie. I think online I’d still get distracted. I’ll see how I am in the morning and may make that one.

I have ordered take away for dinner so that means I have to leave the house to get it. It will only be 10 mins. My breathing and the numbness were really bad this morning when I went to see Nan’s husband. I didn’t stay long.

Take away sounds like a great idea @Captain24

What kind of takeaway are you having?

NO church isn't for everyone but I know a lot of people who love it and love the community within it. For them it really is a close knit community. You can always make that decision in the morning depending on how you feel.

I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble with your breathing and numbness. Maybe what @Jynx suggested might help, worth a try anyway.

One step at a time @Captain24. I hope your takeaway is super yum, and it is not too difficult to go grab it 💜

I’m back online, landed safely @Snowie @Jynx @Captain24 @creative_writer @Bow

Travelling to my accommodation for the night. I might get take away tonight because I think room service will cost too much.

I had Thai @Snowie. I love it. I also love Italian but the one here is terrible!

@Jynx breathing came in handy. I had trouble getting out of the car. I think it’s getting worse.