Posts: 3
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2017
Reputation:
0
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
04-28-2018, 09:39 PM
Any other current or former anxious / compulsive types have any ideas for better ways to dissipate nervous energy? I'm specifically referring to things you can actively do in a ritualistic, repetitive manner in social situations - like taking a sip of a drink or puffing on a cigarette, not permanent "life change" type of stuff like meditation, nutrition, lifting etc.
Thanks!
Posts: 4,257
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2014
Reputation:
104
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
04-28-2018, 10:02 PM
Do box breathing.
Stretch or take a quick walk.
Do 20 kettlebell swings as fast as possible.
I sometimes get anxious, so instead of biting my nails, I'll stand up and do whatever I'm doing. So I'll stand up and read, or stand up in a different corner of the room while doing work or something.
I find that a lot of anxiety is rooted in the body, so if you activate your body.
Activate your body to control it.
I will be checking my PMs weekly, so you can catch me there. I will not be posting.
Posts: 363
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2018
Reputation:
20
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
04-29-2018, 02:35 AM
Carry around a small pad of paper and a pen (like a small Moleskine notebook). Often, neurotic types are ruminating, and they tend to be at least somewhat aware of what they are ruminating on. It can be helpful to write those thoughts out - to put them to paper. This can be done effectively in a social situation unless you have Aspergers or are emotionally blunted. It might even add a little social cred if you give off an artistic or business vibe.
Another thing I know some people do is ritualistic affirmations or prayers (obviously said in their head). Sometimes, people will carry around Buddhist prayer beads, or a Catholic Rosary, or Orthodox/Eastern prayer ropes. Again, it is something that can also serve as an interesting talking point and social cred (clearly situational here).
Currently out of office.
Posts: 75
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2018
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
04-29-2018, 02:54 AM
Get into music and start expressing your "energy" and feelings through it! Whether that is buying a guitar and learning an instrument or playing around with a music program is up to you.
^ OP in 6 months.
Posts: 1,713
Threads: 0
Joined: Jun 2010
Reputation:
32
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
04-29-2018, 11:53 AM
Quote: (04-29-2018 09:20 AM)SteezeySteve Wrote:
Chewing gum
Pacing
Chewing gum is good.
It has a few negatives though as most brands have fake sugars like sorbitol and apartame which can cause digestive problems, along with the extra saliva production and air swallowing involved with longtime chewing. Still its less harmful than smoking and much cheaper.
"I'm not afraid of dying, I'm afraid of not trying. Everyday hit every wave, like I'm Hawaiian"
Posts: 372
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2014
Reputation:
4
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
04-29-2018, 07:33 PM
Coffee grounds or dip in your lip.
Con is yellowed teeth.
Posts: 660
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2017
Reputation:
7
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
04-30-2018, 03:38 AM
If this is in the context of game then approaching and opening. That flips nervous energy into awesome energy.
Posts: 371
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2017
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
05-06-2018, 12:30 PM
Cycling
Posts: 4
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2018
Reputation:
0
Less destructive "active" habits than drinking/smoking to take the edge off
05-13-2018, 09:04 PM
- Exercise
- Cut the caffeine, if you're already a naturally anxious caffeine will turn you into an absolute maniac
- Go on a walk
- Read
- Bianural beats