OT: Copied from another group - with NO connections.

I thought about sending this to you off forum, but decided to post it,
just in case it may help someone else.

I have had several periods during my life when anxiety was a terrible
factor, and once it probably resulted in a stroke; this involved the
stress of the death of a much loved relative and long drives without
much rest or sleep. The second period that I now recognize as most
stressful was the period after the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

My recommendations are:

Try some form of exercise (such as long walks) or anything that is
physically tiring. this will help in promoting sleep, which you may be
finding difficult because of the anxiety. Rest and sleep are very
important!

If you can do walks outdoors, or bike rides (bicycles, not
motorcycles) try to observe the beauties of nature and concentrate on
the details of something that you observe. When you get home, write
down a description of what you saw that gave you pleasure. Walking is
better because you can more easily stop and observe the beautiful
small things.

It may seem like a form of escape (and it is) but find a good book and
try to lose yourself in the reading of it. If you become really
interested in it, the anxious thoughts will be gone for at least a while.

Realize that others have gone through periods of high anxiety with
even worse situations than that which you are now facing, and
survived. You can too, and with the help of God, yourself, and others,
you will!

Finally, here is one of my favorite quotations, "Desiderata:"

Pick from it what you need. My favorite in the case of anxiety is:
"Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself. "

"Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy."

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.