Anxiety tip of the day. What are your safety behaviors?

[Mindfulness4]

Safety behaviors give you a temporary sense of reliefe, but strengthen the anxiety cycle.

That includes seeking reassurance (like we do on this site!)

Avoiding doing certain activities such as:

Going up stairs

Have a safety person

Not drinking coffee

Sleeping more

(Even little sneaky avoidance behaviors) like:

Bringing water bottle everywhere

Tending your body

Dressing comfortably

Over breathing to avoid breathless sensations

Eating very healthy

Anything you do to avoid and try to protect yourself from the uncomfortable sensations will strengthen the belief that you cannot cope.

Remember that the sensations are uncomfortable NOT dangerous. The best way to combat this is to start doing what you are afraid of (start small*) AND practice MINDFULNESS (request a separate post that explains how science and doctors are finding that mindfulness has been the cure for anxiety & panic disorders).

Be careful of self judgement and suttle avoidance. Give yourself compassion!

[levymaria]

Wow, I just realized I'm doing all of the wrong things 😕.... but some of the right things, thank you so much for posting this!