Anxiety is taking over my hobbies
So, one of the things is really enjoy doing is reading, specifically romance novels. I love to read, it is an activity that I could do for hours and not get tired of it. But lately, the mere thought of starting a book or just thinking about reading causes me great stress and anxiety. I start getting that tingling sensation on my body and a pressure on my chest. It feels like I've been doing something wrong, like if reading were forbidden and someone is going to find out.
In all the years I've been a fan of reading it always felt like my way to unwind and scape reality for a little while. I've come to think that one of the possible reasons for this is the fact that I'm almost 30 and never had a significant other, never been on a date, never been in love and never been pursued or have anyone interested in me. Reading romance novels was my way to feel connected to the feeling of love by someone outside my family and friends. And maybe is because I'm getting close to the big 3-0, but I'm starting to fear that it may never happen for me. That maybe I'm just bound to be alone forever.
I really want to get back to reading since I love how it makes me feel and I love the stories. But I don't know what to do about the stress and anxiety I feel every time I try to get back into it.
P.S.- sorry if everything I wrote isn't as coherent as I wanted I just needed to express everything before I pretend vis not happening.
@AquaDrum509 hi. Have struggled with so much in terms of hobby, sleep, concentration. You are allowed to dream and enjoy life but don't feel pressured.
Hello I seen you mentioned you struggle with sleep would you mind talking with me about that? I have also been struggling with sleep and dont know how to get a good nights rest i have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Any tips you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time. @Gujon3073
@Leeshah88 hi. I also have some trouble falling sleep and staying asleep. Sometimes that seem to work for me is guided meditation. There are several apps for that. I am someone who always said that I could not meditate because it I got distracted really easy but guided meditation does a great job of returning your mid to what you are doing. Maybe you could try with that.
I will try that thank you very much!!@AquaDrum509
@Leeshah88 My anxiety has reduced me to an insomniac for years. Ambien works of course but is extremely addictive and becomes less effective over time. I was addicted to it for a while. I have tried every natural remedy in the book. At times sleep hypnosis recordings have helped. Overall I have found the most effective management of my disorder is taking off the pressure to worry when I can't sleep. I have been upfront with my boss and told her I have to adjust my hours some days. I also just try to see Night time sleep as a nap. If I wake up I read, or take the dog outside. I put on a show I've seen a hundred times so that I'm not so engrossed that I will stay awake. I also keep my room extremely clean, dark, comfortable and inviting. There is nothing in my room but the bed. Not even in the closet. It's my rest zone, which relaxes me and feels sleep indusive. Insomnia is a terrible curse. I'm sorry if you deal with this. All I can say is to try and avoid feeling pressured to sleep, so the issue doesn't snowball.
Ok I will do that thank you very much for replying I appreciate it so much @reliableLemon227