Dear Jessica
Welcome to the forum. It's good to see you here. I love your forum name, so expressive. I think many people will relate to this.
New jobs are often a source of anxiety until we actually start work with the new company. You have managed this part of changing jobs which is great. It's always a good thought to hang on to this knowledge.
A small amount of lingering anxiety is usual until you have fully settled into the job. I don't know many people who can make a huge change such as changing jobs without some misgivings. We are creatures of habit, generally speaking. Even going on holiday used to make me feel very nervous and that was going with family or friends.
Switching off your brain when we get concerned sounds like a good idea but does not work very often. Acknowledging all the positives with your new job is a good idea to reinforce that you made a good decision. Unfortunately our brains do not always do what we tell them. Have you noticed any change in this anxiety since you started the new job? I think this anxiety is likely to gradually decrease over time as you become more confident in yourself.
To help you make this change when these wretched thoughts start to make their presence felt, remind yourself that you managed getting up and go to work yesterday and the day before etc. Remind yourself that you do enjoy the work and people. This is a bit different to making a list of of the positive aspects of your new job. In this case you are remembering how you actually felt yesterday, the day before and the day before about the job. Reminding yourself of the good things you have done, including getting this job in the first place, can help to stop the other panic-producing thoughts which have no reality because they have not happened.
It will take a little work as the brain is not keen on changing. Sounds silly doesn't it? It is true. We are in control of ourselves in general so we call the shots. Instead of "what ifs", remember the real events. You did find a new job and managed your anxiety while you did this. You have started to work there and found it a pleasant place to be. Your colleagues are good to work with. The niggle in your brain has no reality in real life because you are happy with the job. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves how good we have it.
Remember the good stuff and how nice it feels.
Mary
