Anxiety struggles

[Msheatherlady]

Hi everyone!

I want to start on a positive note and say that I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Okay so I wanted to write today to talk about my anxiety and some realizations I’ve had. My anxiety has been much better but it’s still something I’m struggling with, especially on the weekends. I think this is because during the week I’m working and have a purpose while during the weekend I don’t have much going on. I basically go to the store or sit at home on Netflix. I don’t have a boyfriend or kids. I don’t have my “own” place since I live with my mom. I don’t have any real hobbies and I think that’s a big reason why I struggle with anxiety on the weekends because I feel like I don’t have anything “purposeful” to do so I get anxious because I feel like I’m wasting precious time.

[LadyZen]

That's interesting. I'm the opposite. I get anxiety during the weekdays. Have you considered volunteering on the weekends? I use to foster dogs. I had a friend who worked part time at the gym on the weekends for fun. She use to also work part time at a bar for fun too.

[Msheatherlady in reply to LadyZen]

My grandma actually suggested volunteering to me I'm just not sure where I'd volunteer at.

[LadyZen in reply to Msheatherlady]

I googled places online.

[Msheatherlady in reply to LadyZen]

looks like i'll be googling when I get off work tonight! any specific sites you know of?

[Sprinkle1]

I agree with ZenithK, finding something worth while to do in your hours off work, can be very rewarding, I have done many things in my life, joined the Civil Defense at age 17, have worked for local politicians, spent 11 years as a volunteer for the local river we were protecting from development, one of the things I did was as a canoe guide, I loved it. now I do work at our local library which I love. There are So many things you can do, volunteer at a local hospital, visit old folks who are house bound. Look on your computer for volunteer work.

Join a hiking club, a book club, anything you can think of. Collect stamps, I also knit hats/scarves for the underprivileged children in the area. Volunteer at the Salvation Army or Red Cross.

There are lots of worthwhile causes that need people, find one that suits you, you may have to try different ones to fit your style. I wish you well, sending love and hugs.....Sprinkle 1......

[Msheatherlady in reply to Sprinkle1]

I'm trying to find something it's just finding something I connect with. I did start going to church again, but just a different one that my friend goes to that's more interactive and I've really been enjoying that. I'd love to find other things to do though, I'm just stuck on what to do since there isn't a ton around where I live without traveling too far, and lately the weather hasn't been great so traveling too far hasn't been a possibility. I will look into some volunteer work though! I'd love to join a club I just need to find one that would interest me. I'd love an art club or book club! or learning to knit is a good idea too!

Thank you for the suggestions! I appreciate you reaching out

[Hidden]

I get sucked in to Netflix all the time!! For me, leaving the house earlier in the day starts the rest of my day right. I too am single with no kids do it seems everyone has family responsibilities on the weekend and I feel so left out. I think what has helped most is finding hobbies I truly enjoy and putting energy into them. I love interior design and writing. I also volunteer most of my time with youth from foster care. Do you have anything that makes your heart feel a sense of joy? Like you could lose track of time doing it? That has been my guide but honestly I still struggle too.

[Msheatherlady in reply to Hidden]

I have been trying to get up earlier so I'm not laying in bed all day. I find that when I stay in bed too long I tend to over think and think about the things I should be doing instead of "wasting time". However sometimes I do get sucked into watching stuff on Netflix/Hulu but then I feel bad because I feel like I should be doing other things when I know that it's okay to watch and relax for a little bit. I'd love to volunteer, I just started going to a new church that has a lot of youth stuff going on and I'm trying to figure out how to start helping out there!

[Hidden in reply to Msheatherlady]

Good for you. I love kids and volunteering with my youth who are in foster care brings me so much joy. They always need a caring adult because they can’t be with their parents for a variety of reasons. I work with teenagers in group homes or that are in college.

[Msheatherlady in reply to Hidden]

I work with kids during the week with my job and it's frustrating at times but can also be very rewarding which is what I love about it. There are so many youth out there that need support and if I can be that for them I try to be!

[Hidden in reply to Msheatherlady]

Volunteering really gets me out of my head but I have to get out to do it. It isn’t always easy but everyday I start fresh and try again

[Msheatherlady in reply to Hidden]

yes! I totally relate. I feel like I fight with myself to get out and do it, but I always feel better once I'm doing it. that's a good way to look at things, every day is a new day and a fresh start!

[Hidden]

Also I’m a huge reader and I love self help but only audio books really. Mel Robbins “5 Second Rule” is a really good one to help with motivation. It isn’t clinical advice but it motivated me 😊

[Msheatherlady in reply to Hidden]

YES! I've really gotten into self-help books recently and they have been very helpful when I keep up with them! I'll have to check that one out! Thanks for the suggestion!

[Hidden in reply to Msheatherlady]

Anything by Brene Brown is a go to also. I really love “The Power of Vulnerability.” She has amazing YouTube videos too of her on Ted Talk. Whenever I feel down, I use my audio books to keep me company but I only like ones narrated by the author themselves.

[Msheatherlady in reply to Hidden]

Love Brene Brown! Haven’t read any of her books but I’ve seen a few videos!

[Hidden in reply to Msheatherlady]

I’ve read all of them even her first one from before she was famous call “I Thought it Was Just Me (but it isn’t)”

[Msheatherlady in reply to Hidden]

I’ll have to check them out!