Decoding Anxiety (Overcoming Anxiety: Personal Stories)

Picking at my cuticles, biting my nails, or undereating. Nauseous, insomniac, or unexplained chest pain and shoulder pain. These are all signs I showed of anxiety when I received the news that my workplace was shutting down and that I would get transferred to another one.

Anxiety comes in many forms; some may start picking at their nails; and others may show impulsivity and a rapid heartbeat. This may happen when encountering difficulty at work, before sitting for a test, or when making an important decision. 

For instance, nightmares would wake me up mid-sleep; I was anxious about leaving the place and people I'd been attached to and familiar with. This inadvertently slowly turned into a comfort zone where I felt safe and in control. Little did I know that getting out of one's comfort zone may definitely trigger anxiety, on the other hand, it improves one's confidence and ability to cope with life's changes and challenges. I used to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as oversleeping, self-harm, and ghosting those who care.

I have looked up ways to manage anxiety, distressing thoughts, and feelings;

The 333 Rule:
Name 3 Things You See >> Breathe and look at your surroundings, 
Name 3 Sounds You Hear >> Listen to your surroundings 
Move 3 Parts of Your Body >> Choose 3 parts of your body and move them one by one. 

The 333 rule is an informal coping technique that can effectively manage anxiety 

The 555 Rule: Breathe in for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and then breathe out for 5 seconds. Another simple breathing technique 

The 5x5 Rule: If you come across an issue, take a moment to think whether or not it will matter in 5 years. If something won't matter in 5 years, don't waste more than 5 minutes worrying about it now. Ask yourself, "will this still matter in five years?" 

I am neither a life coach nor a mental health expert, but I was in your shoes, so here I am where I am now, challenging myself, putting myself out there as I allow myself to breathe, as I step into new experiences where I am positive it will eventually lead to personal growth.