“Stress and anxiety are often the biggest obstacles when it comes to important moments in our lives. Seniors can have a bigger challenge in the golden years. While situations such as receiving a promotion at work, taking final exams, going on a flight, and performing in a sports competition can be exciting and positive experiences, without proper stress management, the fear of failure and need for success can have a negative impact on not only the results, but our long-term health.” Healthy Monday
Living with PTSD…
Living with anxiety, depression and PTSD has been painfully at the center of my life for as far back as my memory serves me. I know I’m not alone. It wasn’t until researching and writing my book, “Reconciliation, a Son’s Story” published in 2011, that healing was even possible with a high level awareness. This realization, in retrospect, was a gift but not a cure. https://amzn.to/3TU8XMR
Navigating PTSD to keep the pain at a safe distance is my goal. This requires daily effort and discipline. It was the connection to a ‘mindfulness’ approach that helped me to stay grounded in the present, but it’s hard. “Never give up” is stamped in my heart and soul.
“54321” https://healthymonday.com/stress-management/unwind-monday-5-4-3-2-1-grounding-technique
The goal with this exercise is to use the five senses to focus on the moment and avoid multiple anxious thoughts that can get in the way of your progress.
Here goes!
5. SEE: Acknowledge five things that you can see around you. Blue skies, passing Raccoons, early Bees, Hummingbirds and small things beautiful.
4. TOUCH: Acknowledge four things that you can touch around you. Soft skin, furry loved ones, succulents. pudding.
3. HEAR: Acknowledge three things you can hear around you. The sea, wind, a buoy bell, birds singing.
2. SMELL: Acknowledge two things around you that you can smell. Coffee and roses
1. TASTE: Acknowledge one thing around you that you can taste. Chocolate peanut butter ice cream!
You can try this technique yourself. Share it with your partner or a friend. Learning to be in the moment is the way forward for those of us who suffer from anxiety and depression.
It’s not easy, though. I make progress each day. Set backs happen. It takes time and discipline. Healing is a life time labor of love.
Once your mind is trained up to value the benefits of living in the moment, you’ll see, touch, hear, smell, and taste things your senses never connected fully to before. Remember, it’s always a work in progress.
“Be sure and think a good day, plan a good day, put good into each day.”
Gene Sharrett
