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Concentrating...: Do you have any... - Anxiety and Depre...

Anxiety and Depression Support

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Concentrating...

Italianmomma profile image
24 Replies

Do you have any difficulty concentrating or making decisions due to anxiety?

I do. I find it hard to concentrate and make decisions because my mind is racing and has all kinds of thoughts running through it.

There usually negative thoughts too. I know its the anxiety doing it. But it's still difficult.

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Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma
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24 Replies
Anxiousgal33 profile image
Anxiousgal33

You’re not alone. I feel that all the time lately. Knowing it’s the anxiety doesn’t make it any easier either at least not for me.

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toAnxiousgal33

Thank you for understanding. I appreciate it.No it doesn't make it easier. I still feel the same way.

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toAnxiousgal33

How do you cope with it?Any ideas?

Lifesearching profile image
Lifesearching

yes, especially at work if I’m worried about something I have to take a walk to clear my head💙It’s hard when the negative thoughts are racing

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toLifesearching

I walk too. It seems to really help.It is very hard when I have negative thoughts.

It's like I cant focus. My mind isn't clear.

Thanks for your reply!!!🤗

LifeIsThePitts profile image
LifeIsThePitts

I was crippled by anxiety for years in varying degrees. Some of which I wasn't even aware of until recently. Living beneath the veil of consciousness and awareness tends to be chaotic and lends itself to a life filled with repeating patterns of avoidance and escapism.

TBH, meditation is the way to calm the mind and stop the recycling of negative thoughts. I started by listening to the free version of insight timer meditation app in 2018. YouTube is a wonderful tool to find anything related to self healing and self help.

I started with body scan meditations to tap into how I was feeling on the inside and discovered how much negative energy I stored by feeling my body and how tense I was in various places. Chest, arms, legs, clenching jaw, headache, nausea, physical exhaustion...all symptoms of my anxiety. I used to develop a lump in the center of my sternum when my anxiety ramped up. I know how to release that tension now when I feel it building because I'm in tune with my physical reactions.

Start with a simple 2-3 min body scan and begin feeling how your body reacts. Keep walking outside daily. I go for a walk or jog everyday. Nature is naturally healing. Walk barefoot in the grass, that connects you to mother Earth.

There is no right or wrong way to meditate. Don't think you have to sit in a pretzel or be totally still or force yourself to stay put for hours in a sit. Sometimes I sit for 60+ minutes. Sometimes its 4 and I'm done. It's not about the length of time or doing it "right"... it's about getting in tune with YOURSELF.

I'm 7 years into developing this practice and I'm just beginning to feel the rewards it's producing. Start slowly and give yourself grace to discover your own way of releasing and letting go of the anxiety.

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toLifeIsThePitts

Yes I do go for walks. I exercise too and do yoga. I listen to relaxing music on You Tube too before I go to bed and when I wake up.

I will definitely look into body scan meditations. The only really symptoms I feel is dizziness. That's bad enough.

I will start slow and then gradually work my way up. Do you do this at any particular time?

Morning or Evening?

I'm glad that it has helped you.

Can't wait to start.

Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it.

Big Hugs!!!!!xoxo

LifeIsThePitts profile image
LifeIsThePitts in reply toItalianmomma

HUGE hugs 🫂 🤗 back atcha!

I meditate throughout the day now. I have a job that is very regimented. I've been a casino dealer for 30+ years. We work for an hour and get a 20 minute break. So I use meditation off and on during my workday. I try to sit in the morning but I don't hold myself accountable daily. More often I try to do longer sessions in the evening or on my days off.

Lately, I'm drawn to the cushion at all different times and I listen to what my body is telling me to do. I have ADHD so that can be disruptive and I try not to be too hard on myself if I can only sit for a few minutes. It's about figuring out what works for you as an individual and doing what serves you well.

There is no right or wrong way to meditate. You can do it in a crowded restaurant, in the line at the grocery store, in a traffic jam on the highway, in the shower...the options are limitless. It doesn't have to be on a cushion in an ashram.

Start slowly and investigate with an open heart and mindset. Your "practice" will unfold organically if you cultivate the habit and prioritize your awareness and keep that awareness in the forefront of your mind.

If you have a problem sitting still, there are walking meditations. It's just a different way to put your mind to rest and find the inner peace you're craving. Google "walking meditations" to see if that option would work for you. Or go to YouTube and search for the same thing.

YouTube has been my #1 biggest free learning tool for self help. Insight Timer meditation app has been #2. Both are free and worth every second I've invested 😄 ❤️

Holding you in the light with loving kindness.

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toLifeIsThePitts

OMG! My dad would of loved you.He loved to play blackjack.

He went to the casino all the time. They knew him very well.😂

I'm looking forward to starting my new journey meditating. Thanks for telling me I can do it anywhere and anytime. That helps. Your very kind. And I really appreciate it.

Love your last comment.

Holding you in the light with loving kindness. Right back at ya.💕

LifeIsThePitts profile image
LifeIsThePitts in reply toItalianmomma

This is an AI explanation for "Walking Meditation" and how it can benefit you...

I'm on my first break at work, listening to this on insight timer meditation app

Vata balancing sound meditation of ayruvadic healing👇

insig.ht/fFqIPjZEiSb

Walking meditation is a mindfulness practice where you focus on the physical sensations of walking, cultivating awareness of your body and surroundings, and can be done as a standalone practice or as a break between sitting meditation. Here's a more detailed explanation:

What it is:

Mindfulness in Action:

Walking meditation is a form of meditation that uses the experience of walking as the focus, bringing awareness to the movements of the body and the sensations they create.

Buddhism Practice:

It's a common practice in various traditions of both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, either as a standalone practice or as a break between long periods of sitting meditation.

Focus on the Present:

The goal is to be fully present in the moment, paying attention to each step, the feeling of your feet on the ground, and the movement of your body.

How to Practice:

Find a Space: Choose a place where you can walk comfortably and safely, whether it's indoors or outdoors.

Start Slow: Walk at a natural pace, paying attention to the sensation of your feet making contact with the ground.

Notice Your Body: Be aware of the movement of your legs, arms, and body as you walk.

Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

Return to the Present: If your mind wanders, gently guide your attention back to the sensations of walking.

Be Patient: It's okay if your mind wanders; simply acknowledge it and return to the present moment.

Alternate with other meditation practices: Some experts recommend alternating walking meditation with other forms of meditation to keep your practice varied and determine which form feels best for you.

Benefits:

Increased Awareness:

Walking meditation can help you become more aware of your body and surroundings.

Improved Focus:

By focusing on the sensations of walking, you can train your mind to stay present and attentive.

Reduced Stress:

The practice can help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.

Enhanced Mindfulness:

Walking meditation can help you cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness in your daily life.

Improved Sleep:

Research suggests that meditating while walking outdoors is associated with the ability to cope with sleeping difficulties and mood disorders.

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toLifeIsThePitts

I'm going out for a walk right now!!!!Thank you for your comment.

I love the way you explained it all.

Thanks again!!!!

Randone101 profile image
Randone101

when I’m in a period of overthinking, yes definitely, feels impossible to focus on tasks that used to be completely simple for me

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toRandone101

What to you do to overcome these thoughts?

Randone101 profile image
Randone101 in reply toItalianmomma

Still working through this new symptom, but ultimately it’s going to be resolving the underlying anxiety you have. I’m having these ‘eureka’ moments followed by pitfalls back into anxiety but I know I’m early into my process so I need to give it more time to work.

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toRandone101

Me too for sure. I hope we both are able to get rid of these feelings and thoughts.

Life will be so much better with a clear mind that is more focused and relaxed.

Have you tried meditation? I was just recommended that from LifeIsThe Pitts.

Their body scan meditations.

Check out YouTube.

Thanks for your comment.

Happy Healing!! xoxo

yes :(

it often gets so bad I have to just take a walk outside to try and quiet the thoughts. there’s just so many moving rapidly in my head it really gets to be too much sometimes. it’s like my brain is operating in overdrive and barely anything will slow it down

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma

I know I walk too.You describe exactly how I feel.

It does get to be too much for me too.🥹

Thank you so much for your comment.

Sounds like me and you have alot in common.

Hugs xoxo

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma

I'm starting to wonder if lack of sleep causes this problem. I don't sleep well. Lot of broken sleep. Any thoughts?🤔

Needtovent profile image
Needtovent

Absolutely! Sometimes when I’m very overwhelmed, it’s like a brain fog comes over me. Doing something physical sometimes helps because my brain gets involved with the activity even though the thoughts are still there. I also try to see if there’s at least something minor I can accomplish which sort of boosts the ego a bit. Love your name - I’m a momma and married to an Italian, so almost 😉

Breboobay profile image
Breboobay

yes i experience it everyday all day and it sucks i feel like i’m in a loop or in a world where i’m all alone because i’m not able to focus or think clearly and it drains me so i’m here for advice as well 😊

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toBreboobay

I'm sorry that your feeling it all day and everyday. My advice is to go outside for a walk.

I was given advice to meditate so I'm gonna start doing that. Go to YouTube.

Try to distract your thoughts by going and doing something. It will help take your mind off of the thoughts that your experiencing.

Hope that helps.

Good luck!!!!

I'm rooting for you.

Hugs xoxo

Breboobay profile image
Breboobay in reply toItalianmomma

thank you so much your so awesome yes i’ll try to take a walk hopefully it helps to regain my focus and hugs xoxo right back at ya ❤️💛

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma in reply toBreboobay

Your very welcome and very kind. I appreciate that.

Yes definitely go take a walk.

Thanks for the hugs!!!!

You made my day.🤗

Italianmomma profile image
Italianmomma

I definitely try to distract my mind and go do something. It does help alot. I think the lack of sleep gives me brain fog. Sometimes when I can I will take a nap. I feel so much better. I can think alot better too.

Thank you for saying that about my name.❤️

Yes I'm full blooded Italian.

Nice you have a Italian husband.

Do you like to cook?

I like to cook and eat.😋

Thanks so much for your comment.

I really appreciate it.

Ciao xoxo

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