Standing in lines

[oliviaaa1]

For some reason lines aren’t my thing, I get anxious and shaky standing in lines. It has to be a short line before I have a panic attack.

[Hippoland5]

I understand this, lines can be scary, your doing well to cope in small ones

[Agora1]

Olivia, I remember the days when seeing a line at the checkout started

the wheels of fear turning. Nowadays, if seeing someone behind me with

a smaller amount of items, I'm the first to say, go ahead of me, I've got time.

To ward off the rising adrenaline and fear come over me, I would stand

in place moving my lower legs as if in a bicycle motion. That movement alone

would help use up the extra adrenaline. I'd also start my diaphragmatic breathing

which helped calm down my nervous system.

In time you will find your own way in dealing with lines. xx

[thechae]

I completely understand. I’m glad you have gotten the courage to stand in those small lines! I actually just built my way up to big lines recently. Prior to entering the store, I tend to have a list in my hand. While in the line, I would do something to preoccupy myself, for instance I would think about what I will be getting after like a reward (e.g., favorite coffee drink) or cooking my favorite meal with the ingredients I bought at the store.

[valachia-t]

It seems like agoraphobia, standing in lines, in crowds, can make it difficult when you have agoraphobia. I feel the same way.