As a result, my physical health gets strained and I often get sick. I've noticed that when I'm ill, life gets gloomy. Problems seem bigger and badder than they did before. My perspective is affected in a very negative way.
Then, gradually, my health comes back -- and, with it, a new perspective. The sun shines brighter, people seem nicer, and the universe feels more welcoming. Problems I was obsessing over recede in importance. Life becomes... easier. And more enjoyable.
Repeating this cycle multiple times has taught me that my problems aren't the cause of my misery. The real cause is my distorted perspective. The same difficulties are lighter and easier to bear once my health returns. So I need for focus more on maintaining my health than flailing at exaggerated anxieties.
Does this happen to you?
Yes. I call it the dark wave, and life looks gloomy. It's my "nothing to look forward to" mood, and it always passes. Usually nothing has changed in the real world; only my perspective - as you so perfectly described it. xo
ReplyDeleteTotally! And I add in inability to imagine anything other than what I'm in and it's a recipe for disaster. I have to hang on to the fact that I know it will pass even if I can't feel it, and can't imagine feeling it?
ReplyDeleteStrange from one who is creative. Xo Jazzy Jack
Now can you imagine being sick all the time? How one would lose hope? As in you'll never escape? Illness affects every part of us. I don't know how some people manage to pull through day after day. I don't feel I would be that strong.
ReplyDeletebisous
Suzanne
So, work gets you stressed, stress makes you ill... Yep, been there. My work has two gears: not enough, and way too much. I'm in the latter phase now, drowning in my to-do-list, waking up angry every morning, and having trouble sleeping because my head is buzzing with things to do... But it will pass, eventually. So, right now it's all about prioritising: do just what is absolutely necessary, do it quickly, and do it well enough (but not perfectly, that takes too much time and all your energy...). And I will emerge, with my sanity mostly intact, on the other side... in December.
ReplyDeleteWell put, Tiina. You remind me that when I was young, I had boring jobs where I'd just watch the clock and time would slow down. Now, I'd covet a boring job!
DeleteDefinitely true!x
ReplyDeleteIt's the hardest thing to do - to stop the pendulum swinging wildly between gloom and bad temper/sunny and contented.
ReplyDeleteI keep a treat drawer for times like this - a book, some lovely good quality chocolate, a favourite DVD, postcards of art I love and of places I've been (and loved), some jazzy socks (they make me smile) and a rose scented handcream. Little treats. I shove all the little samples from magazines and the travel size toiletries you often find at this time of year. A luxurious face/hair mask is nice too.
Be kind to yourself xx
A treat drawer is a great idea! I may steal it (the idea, not your actual treat drawer). :)
Delete: ) sometimes it is hard to keep things in perspective - so concentrating on a treat can break the anxiety spiral. I like having a book or DVD treat so if I'm having trouble sleeping or winding-down it can take me out of myself or make insomnia a bit more entertaining lol
DeleteExcellent idea. Small pleasure can seem big when you need it.
DeleteI have been fighting with anxiety all my life...in some days I just wake up and I feel negative, as if everything will turn out wrong, I wish I could control my bad feelings, and when I feel sick things do get worse, so I can totally understand what you mean !. Thank you for your sweet words, they made my day and moreover I needed them as I am going under a not too happy moment (it doesn't show in my happy outfits, tho !)...you helped me putting things in the right perspective, friend ;-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteFashion and Cookies - fashion blog
Yes, unfortunately I struggle with chronic health problems and have for decades so it is definitely a battle to stay positive some days. The average person with good health does not realize how lucky they are. And a passing cold should never be a cause for being negative. Good you are aware of this so many people are not.
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com
Absolutely, and like other commenters have said, chronic health problems make it that much harder.
ReplyDeleteAnxiety? It's so hard. Of course mine is mixed with mania and a whole host of other problems, but that niggling worry definitely beats me down some days.
I just try to always make the best of what I have.
It's a hard habit to break. I tend to stay up late to get quiet time to myself and then pay for it the next day when I'm exhausted and more prone to being irritable and stressed. My mom used to say everything seems worse at night, and I think that's true and that the same applies when you're sick. It's wonderful that you've become aware of the pattern and want to improve your health in order to have it happen less often.
ReplyDeleteHINT: take more vacations to Atlanta...
I'm with you 100%. I have issues with obsession, mania, anxiety and it can really suck :(
ReplyDeleteDo you have the ability to identify when your obsession is starting to take hold? Maybe you can make a deal with yourself to allot 30 minutes a day to doing something to let off steam and keep the wolf back from the door - maybe take a walk or be outside. I find that even in the dark moments being outside can work wonders for me.
I hope you find a way to be kinder to yourself.
<3
Great words, Fuzzy. You're right about going outdoors. It's the best cure I've found. And sadly, no, I don't know when my obsession is starting; I get confused and just think it's my problem that's bad. That inability causes me to slide down before I realize what's really wrong.
DeleteThis does happen to me and I'm finding I need to take care of myself physically because it's something I tend to forget about. I get overwhelmed and anxious and forget to have perspective on what's important. I'm learning to get out and enjoy where I'm at in life and that helps to not dwell on things. It seems that from here the problem resolves itself or I resolve it more effectively. Thanks for sharing your experiences honestly and openly.
ReplyDeletehttp://passportcouture.com
Well, as someone who is struggling with my health I KNOW what you're talking about. I have to haul myself up from my pain every single day and it is exhausting. But it has also given me the opportunity for some deep soulful thinking.
ReplyDeleteit is good to focus on maintaining health, but more important to live in the moment. But if the moment is bad, as you describe, then your focus should go someplace better.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are physically ill, ( whatever the cause) the brain is affected. Inflammatory cytokines make the brain feel like withdrawing, and staying in bed...and depressed. So which comes first?
I can get ill by having too much fun, as well, Isn't that a funny trigger? lack of sleep is also bad...for everyone.
Perspective is so important and I can see that you work hard to keep yours in check. Cheers to your health!
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com