Anxiety -- Step #1

I'm working on getting this constant hum of anxiety under control.

I know this has been A YEAR, and it might be contributing to feeling anxious, but I don't think it's MY full story.  True, there is worry over COVID and worry over wedding -- but the worry I'm talking about is random and unfounded.

A hawk will fly from the trees and grab my dog.

The new bone I gave the dogs is one of those treats that ends up having poison in it because my one dog is coughing a little and acting strange (I buy a good brand, made in US, they've had many times).

I'm going to get a flat tire from driving near construction site.

The roof is going to leak when it rains.

I'm going to fall down the stairs.

The crazy thought hits and then I need to spend time talking myself down from the tree.  This happens all day long -- about anything and everything.

I THINK it might be related to caffeine and gluten that's being amplified by HORMONES.  Gluten makes me sad and sad often shows with worry (for me, worry is a precursor to being sad).  I've had a little gluten here and there -- I think my sensitivity is high right now.

Caffeine has been climbing ever since I ordered Kona Coffee in June as part of my 50th celebration.  I started getting looser and looser with my caffeine intake -- from coffee, to teas, to kombucha.  I'm weaning down now.  I'll be at low levels by next weekend.  Caffeine makes me feel spun up and that feeling mimics anxiety.  My brain might be scanning for thoughts that explain that feeling.

This happened in my late 20s and I gave up caffeine.  I thought I was having mental health issues and neurological issues from the hand tremors.  As soon as I made the connection -- both stopped immediately.  I was super duper strict about it for about 15 years and then added some back without issue.  I think I've gradually gone too far.  Before, hand tremors were the first indication, but I'm not having that now.  Still, this is worth a shot.

The new decaf coffee came yesterday.  I'll give the scoop after I try it tomorrow.  

Cleaning up my diet in ways that make me feel good.  It's not about my weight in this case -- it's about how certain foods make me feel.  Again, I think hormones are amplifying and changing my body and that's why I'm so sensitive.  Also, being home all day in a pandemic gives time to notice these differences.

It's a first step.  The good news is once my caffeine is low, it will be an instant relief if that's what's causing it.

Find some happy and good today.  Stay well.  Later gators.