Rough Patches
I’m going to be honest here. I had a few ideas for what to write about this post, but I decided I’m going to write about what’s currently going on with me. As I write this, I am filled with incredible anxiety. I have had a mountain of challenges hit me all at once. I have been dealing with trying to short sell one of my properties, then a couple days ago I started dealing with relationship troubles, and suddenly today I find myself in a work contract dispute in which I may have to take legal action.
The anxiety I am feeling is overwhelming to the point that I have butterflies in my stomach, tension in my temples, and literal shaking. I am fighting the natural tendency to get paralyzed in this moment. I It would be easy to let these things cripple me into self wallowing, inaction, and depression. I am simply not going to allow that happen.
As I started my work day, on top of the emotions I was already feeling, I was furious coming fresh off of the new work contract dispute.
Here are some tips for people in a similar situation:
- Recognize your emotions. They are real. They are powerful. And it’s completely okay to feel them. Be extra aware of your emotions. It is easy to become irritable and snap and lash out at others who do not deserve it. I have been very conscious of my state today as to not cause any new unnecessary problems.
- Write about your feelings. Think about what you are feeling. Writing has a calming effect and can help you organize your thoughts on how to resolve the issues you face. It helps put everything in perspective.
- Take relentless action. I immediately got to work researching my new problem and working on some things for the short sale.
- It is temporary. If you keep focused and do everything you have to do, most problems will eventually get taken care of.
- Look out for little things that can help brighten up your mood. As I entered work today, I was greeted with exuberance from my students and one coworker in particular who gave me the most genuine bright smile.
- Do a little something nice for someone else. For me, I had been thinking of buying a nice vinyl record for a friend and so I took this as an opportunity to make it happen. It took about 5 minutes to place the order, and I immediately felt a little better. And I’m sure it will brighten up my friend’s day when he unexpectedly receives his gift.
- Exercise. Exercise always has a positive effect on happiness, but it can be particularly important in moments like this. I like to take fast long walks. They help calm any jitters and give me time to consciously reflect on my problems and what I have to do about them.
- Get ample sleep. Problems and anxiety can keep you up at night, but it is important not to neglect getting enough sleep. You’ll feel better and be in a better state to take action if you are as rested as possible.