(But four what, you ask once more.)

Corners? Calling birds? Horsemen? He's a jolly good fellow?

Does anyone have any good relaxation exercises? My anxiety is really pissing me off. I almost dragged Julia and Chris out of the line at Dunkin Donuts twice, out of my overwhelming need to bolt. I'm having fight-or-flight with no OMGWTFPOLARBEARS in sight.

I didn't bolt, but it was a close call. I am trying to cut down on caffeine (I think I need to cut down even more) and remember to eat breakfast and lunch (I'm naturally inclined to be a meal skipper). I'd like to try lifestyle changes like that, before I go see my doctor for medication, because the anxiety is occasional (although more frequent, and stronger lately), and historically, I've been able to ride it out.

(also need exercises to ward off the temptation to write bad Mary!Me fic, with a slayer who got activated in her thirties, Post-Chosen, and thinks she's having anxiety attacks)

Hmm. Want CHOCOLATE.

Just needed saying again.

Gronk.

So did that.

I have no idea what my SAT scores were. I remember what my LSAT score was, but that's pretty much meaningless since they have changed the scoring system since I took them.

P-C, your writing is wonderful, I marked your post so I can go back and read it more closely.

Does anyone have any good relaxation exercises? My anxiety is really pissing me off.

Oy, Cindy. Hairpats for you, if you want 'em. I do Child's Pose as a relaxation exercise.

Cindy , I found that finding a place to sit down, closing my eyes, and taking slow deep breathes helped. I don't know how doable that is with two kids.

Thanks, juliana, for both the child's pose and the hairpats. I will try it. This is driving me crazy. I hate being like this. Usually I can write it off to hormones, but it's too early for the hormones to which I usually write it off. Could be ovulation, maybe. Frig.

I should probably look into a yoga class, too.

There's a fair amount of research behind the Relaxation Response [link] Cindy. It helps me when I practice it. The trick is doing the relaxation exercise at least once a day, so that when you breathe and repeat whatever word you use, you can relax wherever you are. You're teaching yourself to relax in response to a specific set of actions.

Does anyone have any good relaxation exercises? My anxiety is really pissing me off.

One that takes a little more thought involves lying on the floor, tensing up your whole body and consciously and physically relaxing each part of your body, one at a time, working up from your feet.