GreenSwimmer

Half a day in (although it feels it's been an eternity) and my anxiety is just through the roof.

I feel better with no booze in my system, that's for sure. And I'm not even worried about caving in, I'm dead set on sobriety and a better, healthier, happier life. It's just the stupid anxiety that comes with this that at times feels paralyzing. Been on a couple walks which seems to help but I can't just walk all day. Plus it's getting too hot outside where I'm at. I wish I could sleep but I can't.

Anyone have any suggestions for some good, inspiring movies to watch? Been forcing myself to eat a bit but I'm definitely struggling there as my stomach's in knots. Drinking as much water as possible and chamomile tea.

I guess also, at what point does the anxiety noticeably begin to subside? I know everyone's different but if I have some sort of approximate time frame, that may make me feel better.

january161992

Clean and Sober (1988) - IMDb

GreenSwimmer

Thank you, January!

Bunny211

I'd watch something funny and mindless.

Dumb and Dumber
Happy Gilmore
Ghistbusters

GreenSwimmer

Thanks, Bunny! Good idea. Just thinking of Dumb and Dumber and Happy Gilmore made me actually manage to laugh a little

SunnyDenver

My anxiety usually subsides after two days. Hang in there, breathe and keep telling yourself it will get better!

GreenSwimmer

Thank you so much! Just reading your words helps me to breathe! Found an AA meeting to go to tonight. Nervous but I know I'll feel better once I'm there.

cwood3

Please do post back later and let us know how it went.

GreenSwimmer

Thank you, I will. Really appreciate all the support.

teatreeoil007

I don't know if you are into reading, but that is one way to take your mind off things and distract you from the anxiety. I like to read crime dramas and murder mysteries and try to solve them. Just finished a David Baldacci book; a real page turner and hard to put down.

Another thing that can help with anxiety is to do arts and crafts. Do you like needle work or sewing, painting or decorating?

cwood3

Is ice cream an "arts & crafts".....?

teatreeoil007

Sure...you could even be an ice cream specialist and enlist your taste buds to trying a different kind of ice cream every day....it would take some commitment, but surely there is good incentive there....

Delizadee

Endless streams of funny stuff on youtube. Netflix binges. Podcasts.
Cleaning. Praying. Meditating. Yoga. Exercise. Journaling. Deep breathing.
Youtube has some guided meditations and I think breathing exercises and even hypnosis type things to help with cravings.

Hang in there

HelenofTroy

Now why didn't I think of this?! I see a new hobby in my future lol

REsoberALITY

Hopefully the anxiety will subside in a week or two. Be aware tha can sneak in and out for a while though. Don't get too discouraged if it does.... It's often milder, less intense and farther between episodes the longer you abstain from drinking.

thomas11

Hi Greenswimmer, the anxiety is the worst so I feel for you. No idea when it will subside, but the way I remember it, you will "just know". You will feel it.

Tonymblue

My anxiety would slowly wane after a couple of days. Tomorrow you will start to feel better. Chamomile surely helps. Valerian root helped me alot. Good food, vitamins, b vitamins especially helped the anxiousness.

MariahGayle

You tube relaxation meditation using head phones somewhere quiet & relaxing. Thoughts of peace your way!

Quincy

Hi Greenswimmer. The worst anxiety for me only lasted about a week. The first few days it was pretty constant and as the days went on I would get relief and then get anxious and then repeat. It's a roller coaster, but seems to be a common theme for those just starting.

I don't watch too many movies, but for me coming to SR ALOT and reading around, posting here and there sure helped my anxiety. If I wasn't working or sleeping I was here.

GreenSwimmer

Hi cwood, it went great! Much better than I anticipated. Going to another on Sunday, possibly one in between too if I need to. I feel very encouraged and determined!

Thank you so much for caring and asking me to share.