Having random thoughts is normal. You could be brushing your teeth and start thinking about whether or not you locked your car or about what you did with those TPS reports at work. It happens to all of us. But what happens when you experience high anxiety along with random thoughts? The short answer is that your mind will often wander into a very negative space. You might start thinking about the past, the future, or about all the ways that anxiety might ruin your life. Anxiety can provide a never ending stream of negative outcomes. And, of course, if you don’t learn how to curb this phenomenon you could end up worried and convinced that you will never overcome your anxiety related problems.
To help prevent this from happening I want to share with you one simple way of distracting your mind. It’s nothing fancy but it beats having anxious thoughts with no way of turning down their volume. Plus, using this method of distraction has the added benefit of increasing your confidence and self-esteem, which is important given that anxiety can so easily rob you of these two vital commodities.
So, listen now.
In this episode of The Anxiety Guru Show you’ll hear about:
- A simple way of distracting your anxious mind
- The benefits of goal driven physical activity
- How I did on my most recent exam
- How I cope with frustration and disappointment
To listen, you can click the play button below or visit the AG iTunes page.
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Hi Paul–
I am sorry to hear about your test. I am a master’s degree level counselor and I have a story that left me feeling similar to you and it had a happy ending. That is not why I am posting though. I am posting because I began experiencing debilitating anxiety about a year ago, and I credit your podcasts for giving me my life back. While I suppose there has to be some measure of knowledge before people enter the social work profession, there is no way a test can possibly measure your talent as a therapist. What separates good therapists from great ones is not something you can measure. And from where i sit you are a great one…and I owe you a great deal. Thank you so much and good luck.
Hi Paul, I am sorry about your test. Keep on going though don’t let it get you down. Its ok if you have to take it again, you will be that much more stronger. I have to take a lot of those type of exams. Don’t let it get to you. You can do it. You are an inspiration and I wish you were in my state. Love this podcast again. I soon will be donating to your site again to because of the help you give. Oh, I have an older dog now and i am watching her go through changes like site and hearing and now she has nigh time panic attacks and its weird but her attacks look like mine. I am dealing with that and its interesting to try to do therapy on my dog. Behavior therapy and using scents and touch. She has lost a lot of her sight and hearing. It has been hard and cannot sleep but with my anxiety knowledge I am able to help her i hope. More to come
I love the reference to the TPS reports!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I get it !!
Hi Paul,
thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings about the test; I like the fact that it’s given you the insights you’re offering in this podcast and that you’re motivated to move on from it, that’s what life is I think- a learning curve of lessons from which we choose to either grow or wilt; good luck next time round,
cheers,
Theresa
you know paul if your exam result was that close and you failed by one mark you should request a re-read of your exam. seriously. even if you have to pay for it which you probably will. come on one mark…..get a re-read of that exam. I think it was very brave and strong of you to talk with all of us about this set back in your life. you have been such a comfort and inspiration for us any one of us is only too glad to help you out. its good for you to talk about it. you will pass this..don’t look it as a failure…just a setback. you are a great therapist just as you are. and like you said its not the end of the world…your wife and kids are healthy, you are healthy and next time you will pass it. but try for that re-read of your exam.
Thank you all for your kind words. I really appreciate it. And despite the bad result, I will bounce back. Only a matter of time before I conquer that thing!
Hello, Paul. Thank you for this episode, it’s very inspiring to know, that in spite of not passing your test, you don’t give up and help other anxiety sufferers, I believe you’ll pass this test next time. In this episode you’ve mentioned advantages of physical activity, I’ve found it very useful. When I have racing thoughts I like dancing or doing something creative, like drawing or sewing, but washing dishes is fine too.
Looking forward for upcoming posts.
I love your approach! I wish I had come acroos your website when I was battling by own anxiety…