Anxiety can sometimes be inexplicable. Creating problems where once there was none. Causing paralysis instead of action. Manifesting it self in strong body sensations like a pounding heart.
A simple task like washing up has caused in me a great deal of anxiety until this morning when I finally overcame my avoidance of the task. I managed to unload the dishwasher and clean up after last night’s dinner. Simple you say but not for me. I’ve been avoiding washing up for weeks leaving Dave to cook and clean up. Cooking is another thing I need to work on. I enjoy cooking but not when I’m unwell. Luckily Dave is a good cook.
It sounds so stupid but it really was a problem which I needed to tackle. With the help of my psychologist and something called behavioral activation I was able to wash up this morning.
Behavioral activation breaks down tasks into small achievable steps. The most important part is to praise yourself with each step completed. The hardest part I find is getting started.
It’s a relief to conquer one part of my anxiety. Now I am working on getting out for walks which has become a frustrating problem I have not been able to get over. Maybe tomorrow I can try a walk further than my letterbox.
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