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.

congratulations -t!!! I'm very excited for you and happy to welcome another pregnant woman to the growing ranks.

In mememe news, the Minian is now confirmed to be Miniana (that's my not so clever way of saying she's a girl). It was pretty clear once she finally let us look.

Have not told DH yet - he's supposed to call tonight. I'm going to see if I can convince him to call his dad. If not, I'll make the call tonight.

A coworker sent me an email making a request, I had to write up a form and before I could email her back she's at my desk, not only to make the request in person but to bring me a copy of the email that she's printed out. I don't get it.

Good on Miniana for...well, exposing herself. If you know what I mean. Another tiara recipient!

Cindy, I do those in-through-the-nose, out-through-the-mouth deep breaths you learn in Lamaze classes. It was the only one I ever used during birth, but it's good for relaxing, too. Maybe more for calming, but if you grab two minutes away from the kids and do it, it might help. Yoga would be great, too.

Do you know what's causing the anxiety? Because you could approach it from that direction, too -- either doing something to prepare for situations you know will trigger an attack, or figuring out ways to deal while you're in them.

And I would totally read Mary!Cindy fic with a 30ish slayer. But only if you write me as a Scooby.

Minian is now confirmed to be Miniana

WooT! Though I totally read that as "Mariana." Consider it as the first suggestion for a name....

Cindy, I usually close my eyes, take a few deep breaths, and think about something good/happy that's happened recently. When that fails, I make an appointment for a massage, since relieving the stress in my neck, shoulders, and back tends to do wonders for my outlook on things.

A coworker sent me an email making a request, I had to write up a form and before I could email her back she's at my desk, not only to make the request in person but to bring me a copy of the email that she's printed out. I don't get it.

Your co-worker is psychotic. The only recourse is to roll your eyes and laugh at her behind her back.

Cindy, one thing that triggers anxiety attacks in me is poor sleep or not enough of it. Are you getting enough sleep?

I'm bookmarking those links, though. I could find some use for those.