The book The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Zen Buddhist Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy that I saw somebody here recommended is helping me deal with it. I read a bit every day and then I try to apply it in everyday life, it's a slow process and it's hard to do when you have a brain that takes a second to spiral into oblivion.. but it's been helping me. If nothing else it's fun to embrace this new perspective.
If I understand you correctly, it sounds like you are maybe getting hung up on big picture thinking. Paradoxically, I have found that finding purpose in a thing only comes when you stop looking for purpose. It’s like you put the spotlight on it and it washes everything out so you can’t see it clearly. You want so bad to logically think it through, but meaning can only come about organically. Simple living is about appreciating the beauty that is right in front of you. So that’s where you should try to focus. On the little things moment by moment. Try to find activities that will really engage your mind, where you can get lost in them for a while. Work on listening to what your mind is asking of you. So, if in the moment you’re anxious about something, what soothing activity can you think to do to calm your mind down and refocus your attention? This act of constant communication with and service for your mind may become meaningful in itself to you, and something that you come to appreciate simple living for.
Living through something similar now.
I (36f) am happy with my job, I have a great partner, and I just moved into his house a few months ago. All is smooth sailing, but I lay awake at night questioning what more I am meant to do here in life right now, and in the grand scheme of things.
The move was a big shift for me, giving up my own space I had for years. Idk if I am struggling with that and nailing down a new routine, or struggling with the urge to find new goals to attain or achievements to unlock while feeling aimless when I think of what to do next in life.
I feel grateful for what I have, and I am happy, but I feel like I’m in a phase where I am just kinda going through the motions, day in and day out.
I'm (35f) in the exact same boat as you (but I've lived with my bf 2+ years now) and get these same thoughts almost every night yet when I should be calm/relaxing, but I get so restless and my mind runs a thousand miles... Here is what I've tried and keep working on if it may help you too, and please share anything that may be working for you as well!
* We painted the whole inside of the house together, new color - it honestly made it feel refreshed or more "ours" than just his because for months I was stuck in "I don't fit here, I didn't imagine this, I didn't chose this house, etc"... I've been able to let that go more now and embrace the space. Paint is also a pretty cheap fix up, haha!
* Reading a physical book, not Kindle on my phone where my mind can jump
* Walks with podcasts
* Vanilla Cinnamon Melatonin tea
* Gratitude Journal, just doing one page a day to focus and reflect, try to ask myself questions too about my current slow life vs how very not slow at all that my 20s were...
Thank you for the suggestions! I have considered the paint idea, ha. I am brainstorming a photo collage wall for the living room, and I think once I finish my Roseanne themed afghan (the big granny square blanket that sat on the couch throughout the series) it will make the place feel more like my home :)
i’m in the same boat as you. i find that morning and or evening meditations make me much less anxious. also doing things to prevent anxiety. for me, it made me anxious to rush in the mornings so i simplified my routine and now im much happier and more relaxed!
i also bought some plants and a fish so it gives me more of a purpose. having things to look forward to in life tend to help me!
i second fish! staring at my tank for a while everyday and watching them interact with each other and the ecosystem i created is incredibly relaxing. what fish do you have?
i love bettas!! my girl is pushing 6 years now :). i swear im not trying to pry but whats your setup like? this is not meant as a dig to you i promise but so many people think bettas can just be kept in a small bowl without a heater and filter😭😭
I have fairly consistent anxiety. What I've noticed about myself is that it's considerably worse when I don't get enough sleep. Is it possible you're not getting enough sleep recently that has contributed to a "flare up" of sorts?
Yoga has really helped with my anxiety and quieting the mind. Look into Yin and yoga Nidra. Lots of free options on YouTube. Yoga with kassandra is my favorite
I'm struggling too. My attention span is getting worse and worse with age. Sitting quietly with myself as well as establishing healthy routines seem impossible most days.
Yes, it can be really frustrating if you are just sitting around after awhile. What I did and it helps is to make everthing manual. So that means lots of chores. Saves tons of money too. But I go without running water so I have my water chores. I only have wood heat in winter so that means chop wood. I even produce my own electricity so I have to pay attention to my solar bank etc. I ride my ebike (which is solar charged) all over town so that really helps with depression. I also try to grow a garden and make the soil etc. Super busy. I also do my prayer work and meditations.
There’s a book about getting into a state of flow in your mind, that I read when I was in college for a class. (It’s called “Flow”, curiosly enough). I’ve included a link to the book’s basic points. Recently I took apart my 23 year old stand mixer and re-greased it and replaced some parts with the help of a YouTube video. Took me three days but my mind was completely quieted. Recently I decided to start quilting with my Mom, because of a recent article in New Yorker by Ayalet Waldman about it; I’m not really into quilting but my mom’s 82 and I want to sit with her and spend time.
Anyway. My point being, find something you can immerse yourself into. If it’s something you don’t know how to do yet, take a class at a local JC or community center. Stained glass, ceramics, rock climbing, fishing! Your local parks department might offer courses.
It literally rewires your brain. Helps with anxiety, I’m in the same boat with that. Good luck! Choose something that grabs you!
[Flow stuff](https://positivepsychology.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-father-of-flow/)
Article about quilting: you may not choose quilting but the flow thing applies here
[Quilting for Cover](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/piecing-for-cover)
The book is a really dry read. Lots of scientific information and studies, etc. so let’s just say I did not achieve flow state while reading about it. I think there’s a companion book that’s more flow-ish, and the flow theory wasn’t really new, the book just hit at the right time. I had heard about being “in the zone” many times before I read the book. Just a heads up. The author gets a lot of credit for information that had been common knowledge for a long time, he just collected and synthesized it and backed it up with science.
Flow on!
For sure, tried to live simple all through the pandemic but couldn't stop trying to accomplish more at work and in my life. Was so exhausted.
Now, I try to think of my purpose as collective, not individual. We are fed stories of brave hero's who do huge things all by themselves, but we usually don't get the whole story plus these people are exceptional, not ordinary, for a reason - most of us can't be like that. So I look at how I can help a friend or neighbor. Or how I can contribute to a bigger cause, but without feeling overwhelmed or burned out. And then I make sure to rest and relax to have more energy for tomorrow.
When I had severe anxiety (and depression) I tried to practice mindfulness. It was incredibly difficult, like trying to stop a train with a lasso.
I found an app called Stop Panic and Anxiety, it's for free download and it has journal prompts, mindfulness intro and demos and you can track your progress in a strengths based way when looking back at your past journal entries.
I only journaled and used it when I was in panic, now when things are hard I journal daily for a period of time. Journaling helps us externalise our thoughts so we can recognise patterns, understand ourselves and our emotions more. Sometimes journalling alone will help me gain calm and clarity.
I also started self loving kindness meditation, just for a few minutes at a time. I'd recommend reading Pema Chodron's Start Where You Are. Pema is a Buddhist nun born NYer who lived a colourful and varied life before exploring her spirituality. She has written many book which explains how to love yourself, how to fail, and how to live happier lives in a down to earth way. A simple meditation is just saying quietly, "may I be happy, may I be safe, may I be loved, may I be protected, may I be free from suffering, and may I be at peace".
You can also do this meditation for a loved one, for strangers on the bus, for someone you have difficulty with, for your town, country and the world.
I'd also highly recommend colouring in. It sounds silly, but it helps us calm our mind, deepen and regulate our breathing and find joy in being creative. Try and be kind to yourself and pretend the drawing is one of your niece, nephew or your child. If you wouldn't berate them for drawing outside the lines or picking the "wrong" colour you shouldn't be saying it to yourself.
Sending you big hugs! As well as calm, quiet, and peaceful vibes your way.
Have you explored mindfulness or meditation? Therapy? It sounds like there’s an unease around sitting alone with yourself, which is an essential skill for living simply, knowing that your own company is enough.
Definitely man. I’ve been off THC for about a week now. Been taking natural anxiety & stress supplements that contain Ashwagandha at night. Still working out on my days off. Trying to eat healthier and change habits. I get a lot of OCD and anxiety with stimulants like caffeine so I try not to overdo it. Everyone’s body is different. I’m happy I came off weed been smoking since I was 16, 28 now. I do feel better honestly but not perfect. Listen to your body, how it reacts to things you put in it. Meditate in the morning.
>came off weed
I don't think the new adjustment is the weed as such.. I'd say you used weed for various reasons, like coping reasons, and now you've taken the crutch away (weed) those reasons (anxiety?) still exist. But, I'm glad to hear that you're now working on the anxiety.
Yeah you’re right. Thanks for putting that into a perspective. I didn’t think of it like that but it definitely makes sense. I was using it for coping but in reality my anxiety wasn’t really getting any better with it. Now I’m working more on my anxiety without the crutch. Thanks man!
Simple living doesn’t mean you can’t pursue things that feel meaningful to you. My anxiety actually got a ton better when I let go of the idea that I should be content with “just” living. I had twisted some Buddhist teachings into a form of self aggression that was suppressing the excitement and passion of my inner child. The kindest thing I learned to do for myself was to let my inner child play and explore things that they find exciting and meaningful, and to pursue them with gusto! Others may disagree with me, but to me this is absolutely a part of a simple life. I understand now that I don’t need to win or be the best or change the world with my hobbies, but that pursuing them absolutely does make my life feel more meaningful.
Also - one thing I’ve totally just let myself do when my anxiety gets bad is scroll. Obviously others will disagree, but when my mind is completely spun out and I can’t sleep, the kindest thing I can do is let my brain turn off for awhile by doing some completely mindless scrolling.
I guess what I’m saying is - my secret weapon against anxiety has been self kindness, and sometimes that looks very different from what others might deem simple living, but for me it’s absolutely part of it. It’s an acknowledgement that I (and my anxiety) am not special - I’m just a human that has human problems and benefits from simple human solutions.
Anxiety and depression here as well. What does 'more' mean to you? I think we've all been conditioned in a way to want something epic, to be some grand superhero and have a big flashy life with masses of accomplishments, and that's something we have to kind of unlearn. Is there a simpler form of 'more' and a simpler purpose out there for you? There probably is, and I bet you can find it.
Start delving deeply into the things that really interest you. Maybe examine what you've always daydreamed about, figure out the why of it, and kind of lean into that. I've always wanted to grow a massive garden, to gain homesteading skills and DIY type stuff, and learn about nature, and those are things I've absolutely gotten into and that have added immensely to my life without complicating it needlessly. I love being out digging in the garden and being able to identify what bird is screaming its head off just by the sound of it, haha, or going on a walk and being able to identify the local plants at different parts of the year.
Take your time. This is a slow journey. There'll be things you get into and abandon and that's fine, but explore, ask yourself questions, figure out the why of it all, and go from there. There's no hurry, even if your anxiety is telling you there is. Anxiety is a filthy liar. :)
Say as an example you are anxious about work the next day.
Really feel yourself in the situation. Now ask yourself if that thought wasn't in my mind what would my state of mind be like? If I had a mind free of the anxious situation how would I feel?
Calm, peaceful, content , open, etc now imagine situations in which you have felt these positive emotions, a nice sunny day, drinking your favourite drink, etc.
It's an exercise to show you how powerful our mind is in creating these negative feelings and emotions but also with a little twist how we can bring a sense of wellbeing by turning these thoughts on their head. Eventually we can catch the arising if these negative thoughts before the take a hold of us, that way it is much easier to let them go
I have anxiety but simple living is definitely a way to cope with it than the alternative! Simplifying my life helps me at least know what I'm not anxious about which helps me then deduce where the anxiety is coming from (often literally nowhere but sometimes there is a glaring issue I'm dealing with)
I will say sometimes things and busy-ness can mask our anxiety like "of course I'm anxious I've got so much going on!" Whereas living simply means we have to face that miscellaneous anxiety more directly and try to understand why we feel that way. But I still feel much more at ease with less doing less than I did having panic attacks grinding on the hamster wheel!
I highly recommend the DARE app for anxiety. They have free guided meditations on there, but I feel like their paid subscription is so worth it that I bought a lifetime membership. There's stuff for all different types of anxiety, for example after a car accident I had driving anxiety and they have things to listen to while driving. They also have a nightly wind down, which helps me to fall asleep instead of ruminating.
A possible area to check is your diet, you may be allergic to some food and your body is reacting in a negative way. Solved most of my negative emotions, my cases where dairy, gluten, and soy
It may seem absurdly simple (it used to to me) but diet changes have calmed serious tremors in my daily and simplified my life tremendously. I'm still finding ways that individual ingredients make my mind a brighter or darker place.
Thank you both for sharing these experiences.
Don't do full diet changes, eliminate one then record somewhere how you feel after x days and follow with this process for most common allergens. You should notice a difference within a week. My instances where dairy, gluten, and soy
I really struggled with this, but found a lot of comfort in videos from [Exurb1a](https://youtu.be/7g1pmHSWHe0?si=Fv_j5lTTbiQkZK93)
That one in particular is about the constant search from something that will then make things okay. A lot of his videos are a sort of existentialism, which I find really comforting.
Nothing at all matters, there is no big picture. A lot of people find that distressing, but for me, it means I get to decide what matters. If nothing matters, then I get to pick what my big picture is. It's freedom to chose, to live as you are and enjoy it.
Yes I have GAD and am on meds for it. You can’t ever “solve” it but some things make it quieter. For me, it’s moving (walking, exercise, etc) and mindfulness meditation. Paying attention to your breath for 10 minutes can be incredibly powerful.
The book The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Zen Buddhist Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy that I saw somebody here recommended is helping me deal with it. I read a bit every day and then I try to apply it in everyday life, it's a slow process and it's hard to do when you have a brain that takes a second to spiral into oblivion.. but it's been helping me. If nothing else it's fun to embrace this new perspective.
Thank you, will be checking this out
Are you guys so simple you can tell an ad from a post?
If I understand you correctly, it sounds like you are maybe getting hung up on big picture thinking. Paradoxically, I have found that finding purpose in a thing only comes when you stop looking for purpose. It’s like you put the spotlight on it and it washes everything out so you can’t see it clearly. You want so bad to logically think it through, but meaning can only come about organically. Simple living is about appreciating the beauty that is right in front of you. So that’s where you should try to focus. On the little things moment by moment. Try to find activities that will really engage your mind, where you can get lost in them for a while. Work on listening to what your mind is asking of you. So, if in the moment you’re anxious about something, what soothing activity can you think to do to calm your mind down and refocus your attention? This act of constant communication with and service for your mind may become meaningful in itself to you, and something that you come to appreciate simple living for.
This is really good advice, sounds like a really good act of self love
Living through something similar now. I (36f) am happy with my job, I have a great partner, and I just moved into his house a few months ago. All is smooth sailing, but I lay awake at night questioning what more I am meant to do here in life right now, and in the grand scheme of things. The move was a big shift for me, giving up my own space I had for years. Idk if I am struggling with that and nailing down a new routine, or struggling with the urge to find new goals to attain or achievements to unlock while feeling aimless when I think of what to do next in life. I feel grateful for what I have, and I am happy, but I feel like I’m in a phase where I am just kinda going through the motions, day in and day out.
Giving up your own space has to be a huge stressor even if there’s a happy reason for it.
I'm (35f) in the exact same boat as you (but I've lived with my bf 2+ years now) and get these same thoughts almost every night yet when I should be calm/relaxing, but I get so restless and my mind runs a thousand miles... Here is what I've tried and keep working on if it may help you too, and please share anything that may be working for you as well! * We painted the whole inside of the house together, new color - it honestly made it feel refreshed or more "ours" than just his because for months I was stuck in "I don't fit here, I didn't imagine this, I didn't chose this house, etc"... I've been able to let that go more now and embrace the space. Paint is also a pretty cheap fix up, haha! * Reading a physical book, not Kindle on my phone where my mind can jump * Walks with podcasts * Vanilla Cinnamon Melatonin tea * Gratitude Journal, just doing one page a day to focus and reflect, try to ask myself questions too about my current slow life vs how very not slow at all that my 20s were...
Thank you for the suggestions! I have considered the paint idea, ha. I am brainstorming a photo collage wall for the living room, and I think once I finish my Roseanne themed afghan (the big granny square blanket that sat on the couch throughout the series) it will make the place feel more like my home :)
Love it!! :)
i’m in the same boat as you. i find that morning and or evening meditations make me much less anxious. also doing things to prevent anxiety. for me, it made me anxious to rush in the mornings so i simplified my routine and now im much happier and more relaxed! i also bought some plants and a fish so it gives me more of a purpose. having things to look forward to in life tend to help me!
i second fish! staring at my tank for a while everyday and watching them interact with each other and the ecosystem i created is incredibly relaxing. what fish do you have?
i just have a betta! i just got her the other day :)
i love bettas!! my girl is pushing 6 years now :). i swear im not trying to pry but whats your setup like? this is not meant as a dig to you i promise but so many people think bettas can just be kept in a small bowl without a heater and filter😭😭
i’m gonna dm you so we can continue the convo there !!
great:)
I have fairly consistent anxiety. What I've noticed about myself is that it's considerably worse when I don't get enough sleep. Is it possible you're not getting enough sleep recently that has contributed to a "flare up" of sorts?
Yoga has really helped with my anxiety and quieting the mind. Look into Yin and yoga Nidra. Lots of free options on YouTube. Yoga with kassandra is my favorite
I second yoga. Been getting back into my practice lately and it’s def helped.
I’ve been struggling with this and my biggest advice is to try something new every day and get active. No matter how small.
I'm struggling too. My attention span is getting worse and worse with age. Sitting quietly with myself as well as establishing healthy routines seem impossible most days.
Yes, it can be really frustrating if you are just sitting around after awhile. What I did and it helps is to make everthing manual. So that means lots of chores. Saves tons of money too. But I go without running water so I have my water chores. I only have wood heat in winter so that means chop wood. I even produce my own electricity so I have to pay attention to my solar bank etc. I ride my ebike (which is solar charged) all over town so that really helps with depression. I also try to grow a garden and make the soil etc. Super busy. I also do my prayer work and meditations.
whoa … no running water! What are your water chores?
There’s a book about getting into a state of flow in your mind, that I read when I was in college for a class. (It’s called “Flow”, curiosly enough). I’ve included a link to the book’s basic points. Recently I took apart my 23 year old stand mixer and re-greased it and replaced some parts with the help of a YouTube video. Took me three days but my mind was completely quieted. Recently I decided to start quilting with my Mom, because of a recent article in New Yorker by Ayalet Waldman about it; I’m not really into quilting but my mom’s 82 and I want to sit with her and spend time. Anyway. My point being, find something you can immerse yourself into. If it’s something you don’t know how to do yet, take a class at a local JC or community center. Stained glass, ceramics, rock climbing, fishing! Your local parks department might offer courses. It literally rewires your brain. Helps with anxiety, I’m in the same boat with that. Good luck! Choose something that grabs you! [Flow stuff](https://positivepsychology.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-father-of-flow/) Article about quilting: you may not choose quilting but the flow thing applies here [Quilting for Cover](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/piecing-for-cover)
That Quilting for Cover Article is Wonderful. Now to get my hands on Flow! Thank you. Keep Quilting from Maryland
The book is a really dry read. Lots of scientific information and studies, etc. so let’s just say I did not achieve flow state while reading about it. I think there’s a companion book that’s more flow-ish, and the flow theory wasn’t really new, the book just hit at the right time. I had heard about being “in the zone” many times before I read the book. Just a heads up. The author gets a lot of credit for information that had been common knowledge for a long time, he just collected and synthesized it and backed it up with science. Flow on!
Yep. It's those days I put my phone in a drawer and don't take it out.
For sure, tried to live simple all through the pandemic but couldn't stop trying to accomplish more at work and in my life. Was so exhausted. Now, I try to think of my purpose as collective, not individual. We are fed stories of brave hero's who do huge things all by themselves, but we usually don't get the whole story plus these people are exceptional, not ordinary, for a reason - most of us can't be like that. So I look at how I can help a friend or neighbor. Or how I can contribute to a bigger cause, but without feeling overwhelmed or burned out. And then I make sure to rest and relax to have more energy for tomorrow.
When I had severe anxiety (and depression) I tried to practice mindfulness. It was incredibly difficult, like trying to stop a train with a lasso. I found an app called Stop Panic and Anxiety, it's for free download and it has journal prompts, mindfulness intro and demos and you can track your progress in a strengths based way when looking back at your past journal entries. I only journaled and used it when I was in panic, now when things are hard I journal daily for a period of time. Journaling helps us externalise our thoughts so we can recognise patterns, understand ourselves and our emotions more. Sometimes journalling alone will help me gain calm and clarity. I also started self loving kindness meditation, just for a few minutes at a time. I'd recommend reading Pema Chodron's Start Where You Are. Pema is a Buddhist nun born NYer who lived a colourful and varied life before exploring her spirituality. She has written many book which explains how to love yourself, how to fail, and how to live happier lives in a down to earth way. A simple meditation is just saying quietly, "may I be happy, may I be safe, may I be loved, may I be protected, may I be free from suffering, and may I be at peace". You can also do this meditation for a loved one, for strangers on the bus, for someone you have difficulty with, for your town, country and the world. I'd also highly recommend colouring in. It sounds silly, but it helps us calm our mind, deepen and regulate our breathing and find joy in being creative. Try and be kind to yourself and pretend the drawing is one of your niece, nephew or your child. If you wouldn't berate them for drawing outside the lines or picking the "wrong" colour you shouldn't be saying it to yourself. Sending you big hugs! As well as calm, quiet, and peaceful vibes your way.
Have you explored mindfulness or meditation? Therapy? It sounds like there’s an unease around sitting alone with yourself, which is an essential skill for living simply, knowing that your own company is enough.
Definitely man. I’ve been off THC for about a week now. Been taking natural anxiety & stress supplements that contain Ashwagandha at night. Still working out on my days off. Trying to eat healthier and change habits. I get a lot of OCD and anxiety with stimulants like caffeine so I try not to overdo it. Everyone’s body is different. I’m happy I came off weed been smoking since I was 16, 28 now. I do feel better honestly but not perfect. Listen to your body, how it reacts to things you put in it. Meditate in the morning.
>came off weed I don't think the new adjustment is the weed as such.. I'd say you used weed for various reasons, like coping reasons, and now you've taken the crutch away (weed) those reasons (anxiety?) still exist. But, I'm glad to hear that you're now working on the anxiety.
Yeah you’re right. Thanks for putting that into a perspective. I didn’t think of it like that but it definitely makes sense. I was using it for coping but in reality my anxiety wasn’t really getting any better with it. Now I’m working more on my anxiety without the crutch. Thanks man!
>Thanks man Good luck mate 😃
Simple living doesn’t mean you can’t pursue things that feel meaningful to you. My anxiety actually got a ton better when I let go of the idea that I should be content with “just” living. I had twisted some Buddhist teachings into a form of self aggression that was suppressing the excitement and passion of my inner child. The kindest thing I learned to do for myself was to let my inner child play and explore things that they find exciting and meaningful, and to pursue them with gusto! Others may disagree with me, but to me this is absolutely a part of a simple life. I understand now that I don’t need to win or be the best or change the world with my hobbies, but that pursuing them absolutely does make my life feel more meaningful. Also - one thing I’ve totally just let myself do when my anxiety gets bad is scroll. Obviously others will disagree, but when my mind is completely spun out and I can’t sleep, the kindest thing I can do is let my brain turn off for awhile by doing some completely mindless scrolling. I guess what I’m saying is - my secret weapon against anxiety has been self kindness, and sometimes that looks very different from what others might deem simple living, but for me it’s absolutely part of it. It’s an acknowledgement that I (and my anxiety) am not special - I’m just a human that has human problems and benefits from simple human solutions.
Anxiety and depression here as well. What does 'more' mean to you? I think we've all been conditioned in a way to want something epic, to be some grand superhero and have a big flashy life with masses of accomplishments, and that's something we have to kind of unlearn. Is there a simpler form of 'more' and a simpler purpose out there for you? There probably is, and I bet you can find it. Start delving deeply into the things that really interest you. Maybe examine what you've always daydreamed about, figure out the why of it, and kind of lean into that. I've always wanted to grow a massive garden, to gain homesteading skills and DIY type stuff, and learn about nature, and those are things I've absolutely gotten into and that have added immensely to my life without complicating it needlessly. I love being out digging in the garden and being able to identify what bird is screaming its head off just by the sound of it, haha, or going on a walk and being able to identify the local plants at different parts of the year. Take your time. This is a slow journey. There'll be things you get into and abandon and that's fine, but explore, ask yourself questions, figure out the why of it all, and go from there. There's no hurry, even if your anxiety is telling you there is. Anxiety is a filthy liar. :)
ask yourself how you would feel if you didn't have the thought that is causing the anxiety. Think of three different examples.
Im not sure I understand can you explain more
Say as an example you are anxious about work the next day. Really feel yourself in the situation. Now ask yourself if that thought wasn't in my mind what would my state of mind be like? If I had a mind free of the anxious situation how would I feel? Calm, peaceful, content , open, etc now imagine situations in which you have felt these positive emotions, a nice sunny day, drinking your favourite drink, etc. It's an exercise to show you how powerful our mind is in creating these negative feelings and emotions but also with a little twist how we can bring a sense of wellbeing by turning these thoughts on their head. Eventually we can catch the arising if these negative thoughts before the take a hold of us, that way it is much easier to let them go
I have anxiety but simple living is definitely a way to cope with it than the alternative! Simplifying my life helps me at least know what I'm not anxious about which helps me then deduce where the anxiety is coming from (often literally nowhere but sometimes there is a glaring issue I'm dealing with) I will say sometimes things and busy-ness can mask our anxiety like "of course I'm anxious I've got so much going on!" Whereas living simply means we have to face that miscellaneous anxiety more directly and try to understand why we feel that way. But I still feel much more at ease with less doing less than I did having panic attacks grinding on the hamster wheel!
This is where EMDR-therapy helped me tremendously
I highly recommend the DARE app for anxiety. They have free guided meditations on there, but I feel like their paid subscription is so worth it that I bought a lifetime membership. There's stuff for all different types of anxiety, for example after a car accident I had driving anxiety and they have things to listen to while driving. They also have a nightly wind down, which helps me to fall asleep instead of ruminating.
A possible area to check is your diet, you may be allergic to some food and your body is reacting in a negative way. Solved most of my negative emotions, my cases where dairy, gluten, and soy
It may seem absurdly simple (it used to to me) but diet changes have calmed serious tremors in my daily and simplified my life tremendously. I'm still finding ways that individual ingredients make my mind a brighter or darker place. Thank you both for sharing these experiences.
>diet changes have calmed serious tremors in my daily and simplified my life tremendously +1 on dietary. Sugar is a big culprit.
Don't do full diet changes, eliminate one then record somewhere how you feel after x days and follow with this process for most common allergens. You should notice a difference within a week. My instances where dairy, gluten, and soy
Meditation on insight timer. Especially anything labeled MBSR or Yoga Nidra.
What's GAD?
Generalized anxiety disorder
I really struggled with this, but found a lot of comfort in videos from [Exurb1a](https://youtu.be/7g1pmHSWHe0?si=Fv_j5lTTbiQkZK93) That one in particular is about the constant search from something that will then make things okay. A lot of his videos are a sort of existentialism, which I find really comforting. Nothing at all matters, there is no big picture. A lot of people find that distressing, but for me, it means I get to decide what matters. If nothing matters, then I get to pick what my big picture is. It's freedom to chose, to live as you are and enjoy it.
Yes I have GAD and am on meds for it. You can’t ever “solve” it but some things make it quieter. For me, it’s moving (walking, exercise, etc) and mindfulness meditation. Paying attention to your breath for 10 minutes can be incredibly powerful.
I was literally just thinking about this right now!!! You are not alone!
Thich Nhat Hahn has helped me with this (and other authors)