Nervous Notes

It’s starting to feel like the dog days of summer + Covid. But before we know it, December will be here and we will be ready to ring in a new year. Whenever I am asked how I have been feeling my answer is always the same, “It depends on the day and what I am doing”. Some days I feel restless and some days I am occupied and don’t think too much about anxiety levels.

But there are those days, like today. What is today’s purpose? What should I get done or what should I do to help me enjoy the day? Trying to answer that question can leave my chest feeling tight and the day has not even started. Today I decided to just figure it out as I go. I went from checking news/social media, to reading a book, to try some exercising, to putting groceries away.

I think the most empowering part of my day was when I decided to get a little messy. Instead of letting my anxiety continue to build up, I went outside with a plain canvas and some paint. I turned up my music really loud, took a breath, closed my eyes, and began to rub my paint filled hands across the canvas. I did not care how it turned out or how much paint I got everywhere. It felt exhilarating to make art based on my emotions in that moment. I am no artist, but I knew it would turn out exactly as it was supposed to. And it did.

So then the question becomes, does everyday and every minute need a purpose? Sure, there is always a big picture of what your purpose may be. And maybe there is a purpose to everyday and I just have not figured it out yet! What do you do when you don’t know what to do? And how are you feeling at this point during the pandemic? Let’s talk about it!

Keep it moving!

-CJS

There are many days that I don’t feel like doing anything at all. And some days I don’t do much. But other days, I just keep moving. And as I get some momentum, I begin to feel productive and my day becomes meaningful. I then challenge myself to see how productive I can be for the day. How much I can cross off my to-do list.

I once read an article or maybe even a book that said something along the lines of, “No matter how much you cross off your to-do list, the list will never end”. It makes sense. Everyday life happens and there are more things to do. Sometimes they can be permanent items on the list, things you do everyday, every week, etc. And sometimes it can be something new. Or something you don’t do that often. Paying bills, doing laundry, exercising, etc.

One of the challenges I am faced with is getting things done one task at a time. I will start one thing, remember I have to do something else and walk away to start that task. That’s the anxiety kicking in. I think knowing I have at least started something makes me feel better than not starting at all. But then again, having 5 tasks partially done also does not feel the best. Is there a correct way to complete multiple tasks?

Everyone does things their own way. All that matters is you keep moving. What methods do you use to complete your tasks, big or small? Do you have problems getting things done? What gives you the motivation to keep moving? Let’s have a conversation!

Keep it moving!

-CJS

Okay, I know I am not the only one who has started a baking spree while being locked in the house. To be honest, I have never been a great cook or baker. By the time I exert my energy into cooking, I have no interest in eating it when it is finished. But I could not pass up all the recipes I saw floating around the social media world.

I am pretty sure I began with banana bread. Shocking, I know. Cannot get any more basic. However, it turned out delicious and I started baking different variations. One of the best recipes I have found is in Chrissy Teigen’s cookbook called Cravings: Hungry for more. Here is a link to the recipe you should definitely try! https://www.popsugar.com/food/chrissy-iteigen-banana-bread-recipe-47365474

Sometimes I can feel myself getting anxious while baking. Just wanting to get through the steps and see the end result. I then force myself to slow down, go step by step, and measure out all the ingredients accurately. There is some relief knowing that the recipe is a form of structure. All you need to do is follow what the recipe says. And the best part is…the end result! Knowing you made it to the finish line with something to show for it. Sounds like such a small success, but I’ll take it.

One of the last desserts I made was Magnolia Bakery’s Original Banana Pudding. There are a few steps involved, but well worth it! Have you been baking anything lately? Let me know how it has helped you with your anxiety. And of course, any recipes are welcomed!

Keep it moving!

-CJS

Lately I feel like I do not know what to do with my day. Some days I spend too much time thinking about it instead of just doing it (thank you anxiety). Growing up, there was always some type of schedule to follow throughout the day. Even in previous jobs, there was a schedule for the month so I could plan around it. And I am sure I took that for granted.

Right now, life is full of uncertainty. I am not working much, but still try to fill my day with activities. Even if they are not that meaningful. I still do not feel comfortable going out to most public places during the pandemic. I have kept up with my fitness with home work outs about 3-4 days a week. I spend time with family and my boyfriend. Probably have watched more shows and movies then I want to admit.

Sometimes I just need to do something small to remind myself that I am okay. Hence the waffle faces I made one day spontaneously. By the way, frozen waffles with peanut butter and fruit is highly underrated. It’s one of my go to snacks when I need some fuel. What have you been doing to stay sane? Do you create a schedule for yourself? What does your life look like right now?

Regardless, keep it moving!

-CJS

Welcome All!

I decided to create this blog to help with my daily anxiety, with the hope of also helping yours. I have suffered with severe anxiety for as long as I can remember. Therapists say it is helpful to keep a daily journal to write down your thoughts. That idea terrifies me, so consider this my daily journal. But it can also be yours!

Let’s share our journeys, struggles, successes, and experiences with each other! We can talk about anything that has been helpful to your journey and also help others with theirs. The world can be crazy, but we can get through it together! Please feel free to share how you are feeling at this time. Or anything for that matter. No judgement here. More to come soon!

Keep moving!

-CJS