Morning Anxiety

[mvillarreal]

Hi, all. Do any of you get anxiety when you wake up in the morning? How do you deal with this? I have emergency meds, but I like to minimize my use of them because they can be very habit-forming. Any other coping strategies?

[Agora1]

mvillarreal, morning anxiety can be a bear to deal with. The more we expect it,

the easier it is to greet us each and every morning. The fact that there are higher

levels of adrenaline in the early part of the day, makes our anxiety feel worse.

It's a two fold reason causing it. Not only chemically but psychologically. So even

if you slept in thinking you can trick anxiety, the emotional component is still there.

What you think is what you get.

There is something other than trying to wish it away that can help. Breathe it away,

yes breathe. When done properly, it can have amazing results.

Using meditation, deep breathing and calming relaxation before going to sleep

at night, can prepare you for a more restful sleep and calming mind.

Immediately upon awakening, turn once again to meditation and deep breathing.

With each deep breath you take and slowly exhale, it does bring the adrenaline down.

It's not magic but has the same effects as popping a pill w/o any side effects.

Hope this helps some, it works for me each and every time. Practice is the key. xx

[bonkers65]

My anxiety is always worst in the morning also. I agree with Agora 1

deep breathing and some kind of distraction helps me some.

[Jeff1943]

Some claim that early morning anxiety, which is quite common, is down to cortisol levels peaking at 8a.m. Green tea contains Thiamine that is supposed to counter the cortisol. I'm not too sure though I start the day with a cup of green tea and it seems to help a little.

The best explanation was given by Doctor Claire Weekes in her first book 'Self help for your nerves'. She says that waking up from peaceful slumber and suddenly realising the challenges of the coming day brings on this early morning anxiety. But as we get to grips with the day it can lessen and disperse. I believe this explanation, written 50 years ago, is the correct one.

As Agora1 recommends breathing exercises releases natural tranquilisers. I lie on my back. Breathe slowly in through the nose. Hold it for 5 seconds then slowly breathe out through pursed lips. And repeat and repeat. Not as instant as valium but we can't take valium for ever.

Best to warn sleeping partners in advance or they may think you're having a stroke😁!

[argh52]

I've always found that it's all about momentum. Once I start doing something, if I just keep doing something, it starts to go away. The hard part is getting started.

[Hollick]

Hi, yes, me too with morning anxiety..myself, I try hard to fight it, sometimes I might be able to go back to sleep, other times I get up in fight or flight mode, either go walk, or sit with my dog, very comforting. Remind yourself that, this too shall pass...like you, I try to keep the meds at bay because they can be addicting..if it's bad enough, then I might resort to taking an anti anxiety med. Thanks for sharing, wishing all better days.🙂

[Skydreamer42]

Find an activity to get your mind distracted from the anxiety... A shower, a walk, push ups or sit ups... Hollick and Jeff have some good advice too.

[marheart]

I wake up feeling startled and scared.

Discovered I'm a mouth breather, so when my mouth and tongue are dry I have trouble breathing. Then I wake up thinking I'm going to suffocate to death.

Dr. suggested OTC Biotene. It sure helps to take it during one of my nightly wake up times. Bottle says it lasts for 4 hours.