Let's Start at the very Beginning...

[Oldfloss]

Hello

Now I am here and I am on the way.

I am hopefully, going to be posting my progress as I move on, yet again, towards running regularly.

I have been this way before a few times, but this time is a tad different... this time I am running, as my post on C25K said with a companion. We have been together a while back, but this meeting is not really on I would have wished for. This time , my companion is holding me back, slowing me down.

But here we are... and on we go !

Okay... first things first...

Anxiety is normal... it is real... it is our body's alarm system and it kick- starts our body into action, to respond to danger...yes, the old fight or flight response!

So...knowing it is real is a real positive.

The f or f is very useful ( is it)? Yes...in the short term, but long term?

Uh oh , this is where it gets tricky, and when the f or f does not include any real physical danger or threat, it all starts to go a bit pear-shaped and this is what is happening right now to me.

Great to know the f and f works but... what happens if it doesn't need to, if we start to think harmless issues or events are dangerous...that is when the panic sets in and ka-pow... everything is suddenly really very frightening!

I want to get back to running, but right now, walking, even slowly, seems a step too far !

So, I am going to begin with making sure my body and my mind are in good fettle... I am going to make sure I have a gentle and steady exercise regime in place to start me moving again. Moving freely and without fear.

Today. It is perfectly simple...

I am thinking about my running... really thinking.

When I run, I focus on it and everything that surrounds me, I am mindful of the run, the location, the sights, sounds and sensations. If I do this, I am not open to distraction, to stress, I am aware of myself, and my body

Add all the physical benefits of running to this wonderful state of being... and I am strong.

So.... how to begin getting back to that position?

I need to learn first, how to relax...and my first exercise is so simple...

*

It can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. I did mine lying down.

Making sure I was very, very comfortable. (I have trouble lying completely flat, so I always have a pillow and something comfortable underneath me)

I start with my hands. I focus on them...

I notice how they feel on the surface at my side.

Are they hot, are they cold.

Do they feel tingly.

I try to focus on every bit of my hand from the fingertips, the inside of my palms and on the back of my palms right through to the wrist.

I move from my finger tips. Slowly and gently up my arms and neck to the top of my head.... then I gently and slowly move down my body, focusing on the physical sensations right down to my toes. I focus on each part of my body, even for just a short while until...by the time I reach my toes, my body feels heavy and weighted.

Totally relaxed. Totally peaceful and totally, still and calm.

Breathing is steady and easy.

*

Resting in this position until I feel ready to slowly and gently sit up and eventually make a move.

And that was enough. For today.

This may not seem like much...no high impact work, No lengthy session. But for me, right now today, it is enough. And today, I had a much better day than of late. Starting the day calm, was a good start and it coloured my day.

Tomorrow.... I shall repeat this... and my next exercise will follow.

Slow and steady steps to physical and mental health... I hope so .

Oldfloss xxx

PS

I do realise that many folk are not fortunate to have the time in the morning that I have ...but this exercise is one you can do at any time... at work... in a lunch break? Right up until bed time.

I realise also that for some folk this may seem a weird... Bu I have planned out a running route back to strength, and I intend following it x

[Annieapple]

🍏Thank you for putting pen to paper in this difficult journey, Oldfloss. I am sure you are going to help others with your incredible gift of expressing how you feel. The fact that you have a plan in place and have begun to act upon it, is very empowering. I am so pleased you are giving yourself time & space to heal. We will be with you every step of the way. 🫶🌷

Friends

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you x

[Bluebirdrunner]

This sounds great Floss.

Finding stillness before you can move forwards, halting those anxious feelings and taking stock. You have taken control.

I do remember having those panicky feelings a while back, and its horrible not feeling yourself.

I find my me time on the yoga mat is enough to give my thinking mind a rest, and the stretches do me good. I try to make a few minutes every day.

Squeezing running time in is a different matter, but I hope we both get there soon.

Day 1✔ Onwards and upwards.

🌱xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks you! Yes... the calm is essential... and hard to find sometimes, as you well know x But... as this, morning. that is how I have begun my day...

I do know how precious your yoga time is and has got you through some very tricky times too!

I am posting a few more today and hopefully, that will be a day closer to our goal! xxx

[CBDB Administrator Graduate Gold]

Sending you lots of peaceful vibes.

It is so relatable that human nature sometimes trips us up. But we humans have also such diverse and creative human ways of reigning that control over our bodies and minds in again.

And sometimes it’s not about the physical activities we need to be doing, but the mental space we need to create. And that is certainly also what our forums are about. So thank you so much for your mindful post.

I’ve actually been taught a very similar practice as a meditation, and I first encountered it when I was just a teenager. I think at the time I didn’t know what to do with it, but appreciated it much later in life when I used it to calm my mind after eventful days. Nothing too serious but it helped. Strangely enough, I was taught to move from my feet upwards to end at the top of my head. Not sure the direction matters, though.

🙏😌🧘🏻🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to CBDB]

Thank you for this...lots of interesting ideas... and sometimes the shorter meditative moments work really well. YWA has a lovely five minute tension release exercise.

I don't think direction matters... this one starts in the middle... if it works... that is just great x

[madmother]

Hello! I’ve not been on here for a while but your post caught my eye. I hope you are ok. I’m still plodding and I sometimes run near where you run(we’ve discussed this before!) so if you ever want company, always happy to plod along. No pressure at all. Well done for even planning. Take care xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to madmother]

Hello...Just still reeling from Mr OF's heart attack and the repercussions. So. no running yet, but hopefully this comeback will make that happen and then, I may take you up on your very kind offer!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

healthunlocked.com/couchto5.......

[madmother in reply to Oldfloss]

Take your time and remember to take good care of yourself. X

[McFitty]

I was thinking of you today Floss (on my week one, run one, restart) and here you are with the same unwanted companion but the ever present wisdom. You will get where you want to be, and at the pace necessary, I know this but as you journey there darling Floss, I wish you joy 😘😘😘

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to McFitty]

Yeay... NOW, there is an incentive for me.... a run past McFitty's wood!!! I simply have to get there, don't I !!!

It is great that you are beginning again! I have repeated, so many times, all or bits... ! We can get to our goals together at our own pace...! The joy, I shall surely carry with me... that will put the anxiety right in place! xxx

[Iwilldothisthisyear Graduate]

thank you for sharing your journey with us . I will try this exercise & hope it might help me with my sleep problems.

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Iwilldothisthisyear]

Hello.. I do hope that maybe this will help you get some rest By sharing what's happening with me and posting, hopefully, some helpful strategies and exercise for getting moving again, helps keep me on track ! X

[Iwilldothisthisyear Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Exactly 💕

[Wavy-chick28]

That sounds perfect, you have a plan and that’s all you need right now and you have our support and gratitude as we will follow in our own way to shift this anxiety or at least try not to let it control us 🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Well said...the reality is there but it will not define us ...and I love a plan! Thanks you xxx

[Sammyyy]

Thankyou for sharing Odfloss, I think you are amazing, so much wisdom in all you say!

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Sammyyy]

A bit lost right now..but finding the route xxx

[skysue16]

I am holding you gently in my heart and mind ……tiny steps forward but forward all the same 🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to skysue16]

Thank you..slow and steady...x

[Hedgehogs123]

Oldfloss Somewhere along the way I have missed the part about Mr O's heart attack, and I'm so sorry to hear that. The post you have just written is brave and takes a lot of mental energy to be so open and expressive. I'm sure you know, as I have gathered along the way, just how supportive this forum is. You are surrounded by virtual hugs of support of that I am 100% sure. Step by step and day by day, that's definitely the best way, no pressure on yourself, just your pace. Can I be one of those who sends you a massive virtual hug please xx🫂

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Thanks for that... it is really supportive and very welcome... all hugs are so gratefully received right now..

[LucieLocket1972]

I suffer immeasurably from anxiety Old floss, which you may of seen from some of my posts. Thank you for sharing your story because it made it possible to type out the above sentence. Running had made a massive difference to my life this last few weeks. One weekend I was in such a poor mental state after my stupid tight-fisted manager was going to break up my team. Running changed my mindset and helped. Finding calmness is essential good on you Old floss.

If anyone hasn’t all ready, download the happiness project onto your phone. they have excellent videos of people who talk about true happiness. I have found these help when my inner voice is at its darkest.

Old floss, thank you for what you do in the forum and the support you give everyone. I am so grateful.

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to LucieLocket1972]

Running does make a difference indeed...but it is a hard battle too fight and keep fighting. I have looked at the happiness project and find it very helpful indeed.

My issue at the moment is heightened because of Mr OF's heart attack... I am doing a lot of things connected with that, new meds and appointments etc... and because Mr OF is on the Dementia road, things get tricky... I am having to really keep a tight control on my panic and my anxiety.

I am using my exercise here to keep me level! Thanks you x

[LucieLocket1972 in reply to Oldfloss]

I completely understand OldFloss x

[ToothPickJafah 30D Graduate]

Thank you for your words of wisdom Oldfloss 🥰

I’ve had my old friend anxiety visit me again, been having another minor bowel flare up since Wednesday and not been able to get out to do any running or walking, or any strength and flex work either. Been a bit down in the dumps but meditation helps.

Every time I get stressed or worried about something, my bowels always play up and remind me to relax and look after myself properly.

Sending love and hugs to you and MrOldfloss, I am forever grateful for all your support and encouragement. You are both in my thoughts xx

🖤🙏🖤

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to ToothPickJafah]

Oh gosh ! It's a real pesky bothersome thing this anxiety.Stay strong..Head across to S and F too..some tips there and a new post out later with some really gentle exercises to keep us on an even keel.

I've got some gentle YWA linked in there too, today.

Thank you so much for your gentle and kind words xxx

[ToothPickJafah 30D Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

🖤🥰🖤😘🖤 xxx

[Sharmian350]

Hi I have suffered with anxiety since I was a small child. It gets worse and then a bit better and then worse again. I have a spin bike and a host of exercise vids for when I can't leave the house. Thanks for posting this thread. I am looking forward to reading and sharing ideas with othet sufferers

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Sharmian350]

Anxiety is a reality that pesters us when it gets a chance to. You are doing so well, handling it and not letting it stop you doing things... I have done a post each day... except yesterday! .. Lots of ideas and links there and it seems that a fair few of us are handling tough times right now...please do stay with us and join in the conversations...