Two tidbits to break the morning anxiety cycle

[Bingh]

Grounding: Hold and concentrate on the feel of a smooth stone or a piece of ice or something rough or fuzzy--any item that has a distinct texture or temperature. Rub a cold washcloth over your face and body, turn on a fan, sip ice water or boiled water, bite into a lemon, eat a pickle. Smell one or more essential oils. Be creative! Prepare in advance. The goal is to direct attention to your senses and away from your thoughts.

Movement: Create a 10-minute routine of gentle morning bed exercises and stretches. Record yourself to lead you through them if you have a smart phone or recorder. Do them in an orderly fashion from head and face to feet and toes. The goal is to be in touch with your body and get out of your head, and when you finally get up, you feel less tight and more whole.

[Anna2008]

Love this! Thank you!

[Bingh in reply to Anna2008]

Thank you. I try so many things, because sometimes something works, and sometimes it doesn't. It helps me to have a bunch of options. Another one is to make a list of all the people you can think of and their phone numbers who you would be comfortable calling and talking about how you are feeling, maybe even have them talk you down from panic. Keep the list taped to your nightstand. (I have asked some people I know if they would be willing to be called like this, and I was surprised how willing they were.)

[20Voices]

This is really good advice.

For the grounding on you could use a necklace or bracelet with a stone or charm on it that you can hold and use to ground yourself during the day.

Thank you for the post.

[Bingh in reply to 20Voices]

That's a good one! I like to have many options, since one thing may not always help.

[20Voices in reply to Bingh]

I am the same. I have various relaxation, meditation and mindfulness exercises that I use depending on how I feel and the situation I am in.