Managing anxiety in morning and night

[Ashlay]

I have recently gone through a bout of anxiety which I find I'm slowly working through and progressing as each day goes on. During the day I'm able to distract myself and find I'm confident in moving through the anxiety and feeling more like myself.

Although as soon as it moves to the evening I find my worries, thoughts and feelings start to come back just as I start winding down for the day. I too wake in the morning with feelings of anxiety wondering if I still feel anxious or what is making me anxious is still there.

Anyone with any tips, suggestions or just a chat it would be greatly appreciated.

[PamelaR]

Hello Ashlay and warm welcome to our forums

If you do a search of the Beyond Blue website you'll find lots of suggestions about, managing anxiety and good sleeping patterns, both in the forums and on the BB information pages. You can search by going to the search field at the top of this page.

I've struggled with anxiety every night for a very long time. Some of the things I do these days are - not watch anything emotional on TV (this can include no news, no sad movies, no violent movies, no crime movies) No crime movies is the most difficult for me as I love things like Vera, but inevitably I don't get to sleep until 4 in the morning. Generally this is because the tragedy in the program usually triggers me.

What helps me sleep - listening to calming music, meditation, mindfulness, writing done those things that are worrying me - to deal with the next day (gets it out of my head so it doesn't go round and round)

Other things I don't do is - have caffeine, eat chocolate after 2pm, play computer games (yeh....), definitely nothing with MSG at all.

Hope some of this might help Ashlay.

[unigirl1994]

Hi Ashley. I too often feel very anxious at night, as during the day I am often distracted by work or other tasks. It is at night when we have more time to contemplate and think which is not always great for us with anxiety.

If you haven't already, I would certainly suggest seeing your GP about this, they may be able to make some treatment recommendations for your anxiety.

I like journalling when I'm anxious, it feels good to let it all out on a page to get it out of my head. I also have taken up a few craft hobbies to keep me busy at home too, knitting, colouring in and diamond dotting just to name a few. Also using headspace meditations or just random ones on YouTube really helps I find, when I'm overthinking.

I genuinely hope you feel better soon and find a way to cope that works for you too!

[Sunshine188]

Hey Ashlay

I also experience anxiety worse at night time and in the morning. I try to distract myself as best I can. At night time I go for a walk and also use that time to clean my house. I find it helps to keep my hands busy. I also journal each night..sometimes I don’t know what to write, but even if it’s positive affirmations or just a reflection about my day I find that it helps.
I also try to go to bed only when I’m tired, so I’m not tossing and turning for too long.
I’ve tried to control my environment and have made my bedroom my safe space - I have comfy bed linen and a salt lamp that gives off a really soft glow.

Mornings are harder for me. I really struggle to get out of bed. As soon as I get out of bed I put on a podcast, so that I’ve got something to distract myself with. I purposely don’t leave myself a lot of time in the morning so I don’t sit around and procrastinate. I have a routine - put podcast on, wash face, make coffee, do hair and makeup then leave for work.

I would encourage you to speak to your GP or psychologist..they can help you to work through these feelings.

all the very best!