Suggestions for personal challenges
Discussion
Does anyone have any suggestions for activities or challenges could I do that'll induce a bit of (healthy) anxiety?
Background:
Having suffered anxiety issues in the past, I've mostly dealt with them now, and life is generally nice and calm. However, I recently discovered what I've actually been doing is avoiding anxiety every bit as much as dealing with it or coping with it.
I recently did the B+E trailer towing test, and it was the first for a long time I've done any sort of test/exam or anything of any consequence; anything with a potential for failure or negative outcome. I was an absolute wreck. Sleepless nights, and all the feelings of panic and stress I used to live with all flooded back. It wasn't fun. All over a measly towing test. It was totally disproportionate.
Of course, I get that being anxious about tests like that is normal and healthy. I know that, and it actually made me want to do more similar challenges in order to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
I'm struggling to come up with ideas though, so I'm hoping the PH hive-mind can help. What could I do that's not too expensive, maybe doesn't take too long (or at least is achievable while working full time) but has an element of success / failure to it? A bit of exam pressure, or perceived risk, or something that'll induce a bit of healthy anxiety?
I guess we could get the obvious bungee jumps and skydive suggestions out the way. And I probably haven't got time or money to commit to an OU Masters degree or anything, but maybe some smaller academic challenges, or some accessible online learning would cause some exam stress? I'm already thinking along the lines of evening classes, or part time college courses with exams to pass at the end. Even if I fail, I'll have learned something new for the pleasure of it.
I really look forward to your suggestions, and I will appreciate them very much. I can't be the only one who would benefit from getting uncomfortable now and again...
TIA.
Background:
Having suffered anxiety issues in the past, I've mostly dealt with them now, and life is generally nice and calm. However, I recently discovered what I've actually been doing is avoiding anxiety every bit as much as dealing with it or coping with it.
I recently did the B+E trailer towing test, and it was the first for a long time I've done any sort of test/exam or anything of any consequence; anything with a potential for failure or negative outcome. I was an absolute wreck. Sleepless nights, and all the feelings of panic and stress I used to live with all flooded back. It wasn't fun. All over a measly towing test. It was totally disproportionate.
Of course, I get that being anxious about tests like that is normal and healthy. I know that, and it actually made me want to do more similar challenges in order to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
I'm struggling to come up with ideas though, so I'm hoping the PH hive-mind can help. What could I do that's not too expensive, maybe doesn't take too long (or at least is achievable while working full time) but has an element of success / failure to it? A bit of exam pressure, or perceived risk, or something that'll induce a bit of healthy anxiety?
I guess we could get the obvious bungee jumps and skydive suggestions out the way. And I probably haven't got time or money to commit to an OU Masters degree or anything, but maybe some smaller academic challenges, or some accessible online learning would cause some exam stress? I'm already thinking along the lines of evening classes, or part time college courses with exams to pass at the end. Even if I fail, I'll have learned something new for the pleasure of it.
I really look forward to your suggestions, and I will appreciate them very much. I can't be the only one who would benefit from getting uncomfortable now and again...
TIA.
Have you ever done a CBT motorcycle course? It's a day on a 125 cc bike, there is a pass/fail element to it but overall it's just...a day out on a motorbike. If you havn't done one, give it a go. If you've never ridden a motorbike before, dont worry about it - you can get the helmet, gloves and jacket from the riding school, and pay your extra fee for the full insurance (usually something nominal like 10 or 20 quid) and just enjoy yourself. They see absolute new riders all the time.
Great suggestions, thanks. I already have my motorcycle license, but the IAM green badge would be a logical continuation of that idea. Sadly, I don't have a bike at the moment, but I will again at some point when there's room in the garage, so that's a great idea to file away for the future.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I would look at how you process things so that you become more anxious than necessary. A bit of stress and anxiety before an important test just highlights your determination to do well. If it's at a point where you're almost unable to operate then that's too much.
Message me and I can email you something (free).
Message me and I can email you something (free).
Hoofy said:
I would look at how you process things so that you become more anxious than necessary. A bit of stress and anxiety before an important test just highlights your determination to do well. If it's at a point where you're almost unable to operate then that's too much.
Message me and I can email you something (free).
You're absolutely spot on. A bit of anxiety is normal, but I was a total mess, way beyond what's rational. I think I've just forgotten how to keep a lid on it. Message me and I can email you something (free).
My idea is to do more challenging things to get used to the feelings again, sort of exposure therapy, but of course why wouldn't I also work to prepare myself mentally as well? That's a great idea. I'll drop you a PM with my email address. Thank you.
MortyC137 said:
Hoofy said:
I would look at how you process things so that you become more anxious than necessary. A bit of stress and anxiety before an important test just highlights your determination to do well. If it's at a point where you're almost unable to operate then that's too much.
Message me and I can email you something (free).
You're absolutely spot on. A bit of anxiety is normal, but I was a total mess, way beyond what's rational. I think I've just forgotten how to keep a lid on it. Message me and I can email you something (free).
My idea is to do more challenging things to get used to the feelings again, sort of exposure therapy, but of course why wouldn't I also work to prepare myself mentally as well? That's a great idea. I'll drop you a PM with my email address. Thank you.
Yes, definitely. Like anything, it's about balance. Do the inner work to be stronger mentally but also challenge yourself... because that's fun and what life's about.
I practice the principles in the freebie I sent you but I also challenge myself, doing stuff that I'd previously not have done eg playing an instrument I'm learning on Facebook Live!
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Learn to cook properly then invite people over for dinner(s)? A little bit of stress when you are trying to get it all to come together etc.
Plus you get to hang out with your mates which is probably also beneficial :-)
Good one. I'm already a rather good cook (if I do say so myself), and happy to entertain. This thread is good for my self-esteem if nothing else.Plus you get to hang out with your mates which is probably also beneficial :-)
What I properly suck as is a real proper charcoal BBQ, so I'm going to add "invite mates round for a BBQ" to the list. Thanks.
Hoofy said:
On the topic of competing, learn a sport (or get back into one) and start competing in friendlies. I feel a slight anxiety/nervousness when I play tennis at my club. It's fun but you still want to win.
Great stuff. I've just booked a club induction session to return to an old sport I used to not completely suck at. I won't tell you which sport , but there's potential for competing.Thanks.
James_P said:
Crossfit
My immediate reaction was "Hell no!" I definitely prefer jogging solo, 5-10km usually, along quiet roads where nobody can hear me wheeze, or see my dad-bod flapping about. The idea of doing Crossfit, in a gym, surrounded by other people, makes me... uncomfortable.
Perfect. I'll go find a Crossfit club.
MortyC137 said:
Hoofy said:
On the topic of competing, learn a sport (or get back into one) and start competing in friendlies. I feel a slight anxiety/nervousness when I play tennis at my club. It's fun but you still want to win.
Great stuff. I've just booked a club induction session to return to an old sport I used to not completely suck at. I won't tell you which sport , but there's potential for competing.Thanks.
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