Fullness

“I wondered what you'd have on the side with a plate of Deep Fried Anxiety. Pickles? Coleslaw? Potato-strychnine mash?” ― Robin McKinley, Sunshine

Anxiety sure is filling, isn't it?  After spending just a few minutes binging on worry, your mind is likely filled to the brim with negative thoughts.  To make matters worse, your body is probably feeling filled with shakiness, restlessness, uneasiness, muscle tension, and perhaps even dizziness.  Sometimes you may even literally feel a fullness in your throat or chest.   And just like after you've had a large meal, you're probably feeling very, very tired at the end of it all.  Despite the utter exhaustion, the discomfort from fullness is a huge barrier to sleep!

Yet, there's no satisfaction.  Anxiety is still very hungry, even if your body and mind are full.    All that fullness is rough on the stomach; you may literally experience stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, cramps) if you have excessive anxiety.

So what helps?  Physical activity may be a part of the answer.  Just like after a way too big meal, getting up and moving can reduce digestive and anxiety problems.  But let's face it, physical activity and regular exercise are great for overall health, so why not incorporate it as a part of your anxiety management tool set?