How do you deal with the crippling anxiety for WFH?
As asked in the title. During office timings, I am really anxious to the point that I am unable to relax during lunch breaks as I am afraid I will get a message or a call that I might have to jump into. I know it sounds stupid, but I spend nearly 10 hours everyday with crippling anxiety. It has become so bad, I am considering quitting to work on myself just to get rid of this anxiety. However the Current market scenario doesn't allow me to me do this. I have asked my friends and family about this, but everyone says 'don't quit', 'work hard' Etc. I am sick of hearing this.
I have gone through something similar, and I wouldn’t say I am out of it. But what I have understood is this feeling stems from our insecurities. I would suggest define your working hours and spend the time well getting better at your job. Also always keep learning new things on the side.
Felt the same, I was working 12hrs for 3months consistently. Then cherry on top - too much drama on leave , micromanagement (they have issue with team’s status as well !!) , fake urgency, playing blame game .. the list is endless! So prioritised myself and mental health and resigned. But I still get those panic and anxiety attacks at time . (Notice period is 3 months and i don’t have any offer in hand currently) . Starting my therapy from tomorrow. Hopping for the best 🤞
hy @TiredMan , thanks for checking on me. This means alot . yes , I am doing much much better . A lot of things fell into place once I fixed my sleep cycle. And taking therapy was really helpful ☺️
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FindingHorses
Stealth
9 months ago
i can understand this feeling
I guess that is a common thing. Breathing exercises usually work for me on my Apple Watch.
Please get professional help. They will help you channel this anxiety using the right tools.
Agree with the don't quit POV
If you drink, start your day with a beer. Lightheadedness helps.
Instead of a heavy lunch, snack all day.
Workout in the evening - post office (if gym is not nearby, buy dumbells for home)
Change call and message ringtone to something soothing (don't put it in silent, else you will be anxious that you might be missing something)
If possible, work from cafe/friends place from time to time - short change in scenery (instead of a long workation)
Demon
Stealth
9 months ago
Miss a few calls purposely (inform your manager that you have a doctor's appointment or something, don't ghost). Realize that you are not that important and not every activity of you is being tracked by the CIA. Social media and connectivity has its advantages but it has created the feeling that everyone of us is important and has to constantly deliver. Parents can now call their kids every hour, bosses want scrum twice a day, somehow makes the subject feel they are carrying more load than they actually are.
No expectation like that exists in real world.
TOTORO
Stealth
9 months ago
Felt the same thing. First thing I did is mute all the notifications. So that I don't get triggered when I receive a call or message. Then, I started taking breaks of 10 mins in between work hours to just breathe. I do meditation in this time. You can do something else. Removed teams from my phone. After work I focus on me time in which I read books( you can do something else but avoid digital devices if possible) . Following this has helped me a lot.
Qwerty2398
Stealth
9 months ago
You are working in a shitty job. Change asap. If you get sick enough, going to work will become difficult.
Keep rewarding urself, making a positive feedback loop with urself might help
Indusplateau
Stealth
9 months ago
Discipline, time boxing
I understand this feeling. I took a one montu break to work on my self. Tried counseling, meditation, and staying physically active. Counseling helped me develop coping mechanism. I can notice slight improvement after I changed my attitude towards work.