Where's the Water and Where's the Gasoline?

If you think of any type of anxiety attack, any really stressful situation, it's a bit like a fire. First you "smell the smoke" (that uneasy feeling), then you see some flames (physical symptoms appear) and then finally it becomes a "great conflagration" (and you're feeling horrible and can barely function). You need to know your triggers. What triggers anxiety and stress in your life? "Well, duh! I already know that!" you say? But have you ever written it down? Have you ever really studied it? Most of your fellow anxiety sufferers haven't. Common triggers are: social settings (a party, for instance), asking someone for a date, making a presentation or a speech, planning and taking a vacation (especially if you have young children), being surrounded by a crowd, being alone, being in a confined space, fear of illness and death, facing deadlines for assignments, or finally, feeling "OBE" (Overwhelmed By Everything!). If the triggers are the "gasoline on the fire" in our title, then you also want to know where the water is. What makes you feel very relaxed? What calms you down? Once you have a CRYSTAL CLEAR idea of these two things - the water and the gasoline - you'll be far more effective at planning your days to manage your anxiety and stress levels. Yes, you need to consider a program that will eliminate anxiety altogether (like the Rock Solid Tranquility course and its very effective HARA method), but in the interim this approach is one you can use right away! What can you do tomorrow that will keep your stress levels manageable? Is there something you can delegate so you won't be so overwhelmed? Is there a particularly uncomfortable situation (a trigger for you) that you really don't need to expose yourself to? Could you get some fresh air during the day or do something else that you know you'll enjoy? That may sound like you're running away from your stress. In a sense you are, but it's temporary. Eventually you'll be in a program (like HARA or something else) that will eliminate the problem totally. But until then, you need to use creative strategies to make things manageable for yourself. So have a look at your water and your gasoline. See what sets you off and what calms you down. And then plan your activities accordingly!
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