Stress would always be a part of work, family, and even relationships. It has always been an ingredient that makes up an interesting life. Yes, I have to say that somewhat stress does spice things up. However, too much of something can really be unhealthy. In this case, I would like to discuss how my elevated stress can worsen my anxiety attacks.
I have been under the spell of anxiety attacks a few years back. It felt like I can no longer overcome the curse that the anxiety gave me. Aside from the condition that I have, I also have to deal with stress brought by my work. It is a combination that really gave me a hard time. It is as if, one feeds the other, and vice-versa. I am wondering if my anxiety attack is brought by my stress, or it is my stress that gives me the anxiety.
These two can actually feed each other’s fire. It is true that I am stressing out with my condition, and my stress tends to trigger my attacks. When I am stressed out, I feel the need to get more sugary treats. It is a quick fix for me. I also lack sleep during the stressful days in the office, hence I reach out for a cup of coffee to wake me up. I did not know that these are the two stuffs that I have to avoid due to my susceptibility to anxiety.
Caffeine and sugar provides extra energy that I do not really need. By consuming products that are high in sugar or caffeine, I feel jittery and unfocused, making it more difficult for me to work. So, I tried to figure out what is stressing me out. Recognition is one of the most important steps to take in this condition. I started to keep a journal where I would write the triggers of my stress. When I do not know the specific reason, I make an intelligent guess.
I also write down the causes of my anxiety attack. Although I already know them, it still helps to write them down. It is a good reminder. After recognizing, I also take note of how my body and mind reacts. The action I have done to overcome the stress and what is my quick fix. I have noticed that I have been doing unhealthy tactics to cope with stress.
Sometimes, I do some alcohol drinking spree with friends. There are times that I would over eat, watch the television until I zone out, and sometimes I tend to be too irritated that I have sudden angry outbursts. Since these actions are just triggering my anxiety attacks to surface, I have decided to stop stress from controlling my life. I have to take the driver’s seat.
There are four A’s that helped me control my elevated stress. These four A’s are avoid, alter, adapt, or accept. These first two options focus on changing the situation that stresses you out. You may avoid the stressor or alter the stressor. Learn how to say NO and stick with it, or you may just end the relationship with the person that stresses you out. Alter the stressor by expressing your feelings to the person that stresses you out or just compromise.
The third A is Adapt to the stressor. Adjust your standards. Aiming at perfection would always stress you out. Make a goal that you can actually achieve. The last A is acceptance. If you can’t change it, accept it. Controlling the uncontrollable will just give you stress and eventually an anxiety attack. So, try to open your mind.
These are my personal tactics that help me during an elevated stress that can worsen my anxiety attack. Enjoy the stress but do not allow it get the best of you.