35+ Community Check-in January 18-21, 2021
Happy Monday to all of you in the 35+ community. How was your weekend? 
Scattered Counting for Anxiety 
Counting up (or down) to 10 is a great way to handle anger, but it’s not as effective for anxiety because the process is so automatic. While we’re counting chronologically, our minds still have the capacity to ruminate on whatever is causing our anxiety. A better technique is scattered counting. Start with any number and then jump around — 14, 89, 30, 57, etc. It takes more concentration to come up with the next number when you have to think about what it will be, and this helps take your mind off the thoughts that are troubling you.
Have you ever tried scattered counting? What helps you most to deal with anxiety?
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I have never heard of scattered counting, I'll give it a try. I deal with my anxiety in the following ways: - Journaling - Writing my counsellor - Progressive Muscle Relaxation - Prayer - Deep breathing - Hot baths - Meds if all of the above hasn't worked
@tidyWriter8396
That's a great coping skill toolbox already! Would love to hear how the scattered counting works for you.
Never heard of scattered counting
@RubberDuck88
There are so many different techniques which we don't know but might be worthwhile to check out. If you try it out I would love to hear whether it helped.
This sounds interesting!
I generally do grounding and deep breathing. But I'll be trying out this now too.
Thank you!
@plumBeechwood7549
Nice, grounding and breathing are my favorites too but I think it's always worth to check out other things too,
WOW I've never 👂 of scattered counting. I'll be trying that out😊
I usually look around and see how many blue things I can see, or yellow etc I find this helps a lot. I learned about it from a 10 year old too which is great. 😀
@Pixiechu
Awesome that you will give it a shot Pixiech, please come back and let us know if it worked for you.
I am glad that this youngster learned already about grounding, it will help them to manage life better in future and hey it's amazing that such a young person can become our teacher.
Tried it. Interesting that it took some concentration
@RubberDuck88
I agree RubberDuck, guess that's what it is about, the brain is diverted from concentrating on what makes us anxious to the counting.
I don't get anxious too often but will try to remember this
@HappyDucky8
Hope it will help happy, love to hear from you again about it.
Hi I'm new
@gentleSky7307
Welcome to 7cups and the 35+ community, glad to have you here 
Discussion schedule https://www.7cups.com/forum/35OverCommunity_166/Announcements_1121/35DiscussionsSeptember2019_207923/
Ok great thanks
@gentleSky7307
You are very welcome 
I was today years old when I learned about scattered counting! That actually makes sense! I will try to remember to try it next time I am having a difficult time.
@ElysiumC
To me life is about learning, no matter how old we are . I hope you it helps.
Never used scattered counting. I'll try it next time I feel anxious, though I have more depression than anxiety.
@passionateLemon5863
Hope it helps 🤞.Sorry to hear that you're struggling with both, depression is a heavy thing.
It can be very helpful to write your thoughts about the problems and feelings you have or talk to someone about it - just to get it out of your system.