For years, I’ve navigated the turbulent waters of anxiety, searching for a lifeline to anchor me during the tempestuous moments. Along this journey, I’ve crafted a technique I fondly refer to as “the switch off,” a method that has illuminated my path and might just cast a guiding light for others adrift in similar seas of turmoil.
Imagine this: you’re meandering through a shopping centre, and suddenly, a wave of anxiety crashes over you. A single worrying thought, perhaps triggered by a fleeting sight, an overheard snippet of conversation, or emerging unbidden from the depths of your mind, engulfs you in its tide. It’s in these moments I’ve learned that such attacks are indiscriminate, their timing and place of assault irrelevant to their potency.
Grasping the nature of these attacks is the first step in navigating through them. Reminiscent of an age-old mantra in the realm of mental health, I’ve tailored a saying to suit my sails: “Now’s not the time, I’ll set this aside until calmer waters prevail.” Admittedly, easier said than done, yet persistence in this practice is key, much like mastering any skill through repetition and patience.
This concept isn’t alien; it’s akin to the gradual progression seen in various aspects of life, be it athletic training, mastering an instrument, or even overcoming habits. The essence lies in the doing, in the active engagement and persistent practice, akin to learning a new language or touch-typing.
My twist on the conventional “I’ll worry about this later” approach is to starkly acknowledge the attack for what it is—an unfounded assault disconnected from my current reality. In this recognition, I find the power to “switch off,” to plunge the thought into darkness, much like extinguishing a light, rendering its return impossible until I decide to ‘switch on’ again.
It’s crucial to note, this method isn’t a panacea; rather, it’s a beacon aiding navigation through the fog of anxiety. With time and practice, the effectiveness of this technique blossoms, not only easing the burden of anxiety but also fostering a poised approach to life’s genuine challenges.
In employing this method, it’s vital to discern the origin of a worrying thought. If it’s a spectre born of anxiety, unrelated to the immediate fabric of your life, then ‘switching off’ is your strategy. Should the spectre refuse to fade, immerse yourself in a distraction, something that captivates your interest and passion, be it technology, fashion, or any hobby that resonates with you.
For those echoes of past misdeeds that sometimes haunt us, remember, we are all flawed. The path forward lies in making amends, be it through apology, restitution, or a vow of change. Yet, once taken, these steps should lead to forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, allowing you to set the burden down and move forward unshackled.
This ‘switch off’ technique, though born from personal battles with anxiety, holds the potential to offer solace and strength to anyone caught in the storm of life’s challenges, reminding us all of the power of perspective, the importance of resilience, and the liberating embrace of self-compassion.
