How do you handle anxiety at work?

Question

I'm at work--technically by myself. There's another coworker here but she works in a cube in another room. I'm on the frontline and I just feel really anxious today. I feel trapped like I can't get up when I need too. When there are other coworkers here, I feel that I can get up and walk around when I want. The coworker that is here right now comes and goes when she wants to--to the bathroom, to get water, whatever. There's a lot of crap going on at work and I just feel anxious. As soon as some of my other coworkers get here, I'll feel better but that isn't for another 3 hours.

Answer 1

Work causes me stress too. After hours, I exercise, drink and smoke marijuana. At work, taking 3 to 5 really deep breaths and holding it in as long as possible helps. I have a squeezeball to play with also. If you smoke, go have a cig. I have carried around small devotional books in my back pocket to read and I have prayed even. Finally, age and my attitude towards it all has led me to perfect the "screw it" syndrome. If you say it enough, it does work.

Answer 2

At the moment it sounds as if you are dealing with it pretty well -walk ! Yes walk and if you can look out of a window or better yet get a breath of fresh air.
Don't forget to breathe , Take some long slow breaths and let them out slowly.

Try to relax your body physically. Don't sit ramrod straight and when you stand don't 'lock your knees'

I have actually hummed some little tune to myself ( softly of course) or sing some stupid little ditty over and over in your head
Get really busy on something you have to concentrate on at the same time
You will need to deal with the cause as soon as possible

Answer 3

It sounds as if, currently, you are unable to leave your cubicle and are isolated there which is creating anxiety. I would recommend some basic, universial anxiety reducing tools without having any further information:

Take deep breaths, breathing in through your mouth and out through your nose. Think of yourself as breathing in relaxation and breathing out tension.

You can also do progressive muscle relaxation. Starting at the top of your head, take a deep breath, clench your eyes closed, count to three, and then exhale while you relax your eyes. Imagine a sense of warm relaxation flowing into the muscles around your eyes as you relax them. Repeat this on your neck, shoulders, chest, stomach, etc.

You might try drinking something warm and decaff, such as herbal tea. In the future, you might see if you can keep a radio at your desk to play soothing music.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Cubical environments can cause claustrophobia and anxiety - it's a very common condition.

If you are working by yourself and are "tethered" to your desk have a look on Google images for expansive images - for example tropical islands and mountain ranges. Print these images out and stick them on your cubicle wall. Whenever you feel trapped refer back to these images, breathe deeply (at least 10 deep breaths) and picture yourself within the image. You will find this helps alleviate your anxiety.

Good luck (and if it doesn't work - quit!)...

M

Answer 5

You need to ask yourself why you feel this way. What could happen if you started walking around, going to the bathroom, going to drink water? Which is the worse thing that could happen?
Now...don't you feel better? There's nothing to be afraid of.(unless your co-worker is some sort of monster with 3 heads and she wants to eat you if you dare to walk around. Just kidding, no offense, please :))