ktvaleska

I’ve started doing some light weight training, focusing on my arms. When I carry something heavy, my arms, because they’re so thin, sort of “flatten out” and look terrible. I’d really like to build up my biceps and triceps, not only for looks, but for the upper body strength, which is crucial to good health.

Every other morning, I’m doing 2-3 sets of about 12 reps of several different exercises, using 8 lb. hand weights. After only one session, my arms are already bigger! After the second day of training, I didn’t have as much soreness the next morning. I think both of those things are motivation enough to keep up on it!

For work, I had to record some audio with our department’s music guy. He had me read off some lines and then ad-lib a little bit (I’m the only girl in the department, and they needed a girl voice.) I found the file later on and listened to it. When I’m aware of my tone, I actually speak pretty well. I think I just need to be more conscious of how I’m speaking. I felt better hearing that recording. :)

I’ve started going to a psychologist, and it’s been really helpful, even after only two appointments! We had the ‘getting to know you’ appointment, during which she also told me about the sympathetic nervous system, and how, when I’m upset, that’s just my body reacting to the irrational worries I’m having, and I sort of have to ride that feeling out. That’s helped to shift my perspective when I’m feeling anxious. This week, she taught me some relaxation techniques, one of which I’ll share.

When you’re in a moment of high anxiety, take a second and name (to yourself) three things you see, then three things you feel (that you’re touching, etc), then three things you hear. Then do two of each, then one. It helps snap you out of the negative thought pattern you were in. I tried it twice this morning, and it actually helps! I think it’ll help me when I’m enjoying a moment, too, to be more aware of my surroundings and feel more ‘present.’

If you’ve been thinking about seeing someone about your anxiety, I’d highly recommend it! I feel better already, and I’ve been dealing with this for a couple of years.