Soberwolf

Just saw this on SR's front page & thought it will definitely help newcomers & guests alike

How do I deal with anxiety without drinking?

Soberwolf

Bump

mns1

Thanks Soberwolf!

WeekendWarrior

I've done weightlifting for years and it is awesome. Nothing makes you feel like a badass more than throwing a bunch of iron in the air. I don't feel anxious when I feel like a badass.

RattleAndHum

Thanks, Soberwolf! As someone who suffers from high anxiety and panic attacks, this is appreciated

ExDrinkingCub

I have anxiety and I was on an anti depressant when I went sober the last time. It did help make me feel less edgy. Something to consider. I like the weightlifting bad ass idea. My anxiety after drinking was always worse than my anxiety before drinking. I'm sure that's the case for you too.

Oswin

Thanks sober wolf.

Soberwolf

Anytime guys

Bobbieka

I've gone back to running. Not only has it helped my anxiety, it helps my overall mood. Losing weight of course is a plus. I've been running so much I fell like Forest Gump.

Oswin

I started running last September and I've found it great for my anxiety. Only been sober 9 days so I'm hoping it's going to be a good tool for helping me. Also like you say the weight loss is a bonus

fred59

for exercise especially bike riding, lifting weights, playing guitar. I have to get up and move and remember I am not dying or having a heart attack and this will pass. Smart Recovery has info on dealing with anxiety attacks.
hang in there it is not easy.

AmbrosiaBlue

It always helps to talk to someone. There are a bunch of free resources to use like a wellness program that helps get you in touch with others dealing with the same feelings/experiences.

Berrybean

There are a few things that help me....

Prayer. Just asking for help. Help to stay sober. Help to remain free from the shackles of fear and ego. Asking for the serenity to accept the things I can't change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Meditation - I can only do very simple meditation , as I am a novice with a capital NOV. Often, if I am anxious it helps to do this four times... (Breathe in) Thinking God In. (breathe out)Thinking, Anxiety out. I use it for anger and fear as well as and when it's needed. Another one is labelling. So as you want along or look around, mentally label all that you see. Another one is focusing on the senses, so thinking first about what you can hear. Then smell. Then feel. There are also lots of meditation CDS that can help. People on here might even know of some online ones that you a can download for free.

Talking to another alcoholic in recovery about my problems. Often even as I'm explaining it I get a diffrent perspective on it. Otherwise they can offer their thoughts on the situation.

Talking to someone else about THEIR problems. Honestly, this DOES work.

B R E A T H I N G

Making amends if ive done something to harm someone (it is a big relief to drop the rock of guilt when we know we've behaved like an ass. Even little things are unbearable to carry around with us when we are so raw in early recovery ).

U mm . Can't think of any more right now.

Hope you find some calm soon,

Soberwolf

Thanks to the SR Contributor who posted this on the front page