Day 3

[kmwondering]

No heart rate monitor, blood pressure cuff or manual pulse checks. I feel like I did when I quit smoking except there is no gum for this :) also no googling

[sassparella]

Well done :) keep going and hopefully you'll feel much better for it. You need to fill your day with things to distract you, to take your mind off it. Distraction is one of the best ways to keep your mind occupied and from going places it shouldn't. Good luck on keeping away from the monitors :)

[ivyt73]

Good for you, keep going. I haven't taken my bp in 99 days.  This is the longest I have gone in about four years.  It is hard to stop and first but then after a couple of weeks it gets way easier.  I still have urges to take it sometimes (mainly when I am anxious) which makes no sense since it would likely be high but I just don't give in to them and they pass.  I realized that I had associated feeling anxious with needing to check my bp and that I was basing my happiness and mood on the number so it had to stop.  I still feel anxious about having it taken at the docs office but last time it was 126/74 so I feel more confident that it will be ok. 

I had to throw away the bp machine, there is no other way.  I have bought several others since then but I always have to get rid of them ( now I put them in the donation bins for Good Will so I am not wasting them)

This is a horrible obsession, those bp machines are in every grocery store or pharmacy and I would sit there forever trying to get a "perfect" number.  I wasted so much time I could have been enjoying my family, sitting at those machines or planning my next trip to the machines or checking at home.  What a waste.  Guidelines say if your bp is normal you only need to check it once every two years so why do we need to check it hundreds of times?  I think it is because it isn't about the bp, it is about feeling like it is something we can control and manage and a way to reassure ourselves that we are ok.  We can do that by changing our negative thought patterns and doing healthy things instead.

Good luck to you, you are on the right path.  I feel so much better now that I don't obsess over this as much.

Ivy

[kmwondering]

Thanks! It isn't easy. My hand keeps creeping up to my neck for a check. I'm trying to replace the urge with healthy habits. I know this is necessary. I've also been doing some light exercise daily. Trying to work that back into my routine after the cardio phobe phase.

[floridaguy65]

I gave everyone a 'rec' on this post as this is the stuff that makes a difference. Ultimately, it is about our actions and habits that will guide us to some lasting peace, hopefully. After we practice embracing a new habit (or getting rid of an old bad habit) for a while, then our minds can start coming along, eventually, too:). 'Rewiring' our minds takes time....it has been pretty well cemented into some negative places by our anxiety issues and it will take time to to begin to chip away at that barrier. Every single day we accomplish moving away from counterproductive habits we should give ourselves kudos, for sure....this is NOT a little deal:) It's a big deal and make sure you tell yourself this - everyday. Say, "I am learning how to live alongside my anxiety issues. They do not define me. I know through my actions I will continue to move down my healing path. By me NOT checking my blood pressure, I am becoming more of a definer of my own well-being. This is a step in the right direction and I will continue to progress on this path. Might take a little while, but I KNOW what the alternative brings. And, the alternative is no longer an option in my life. This is my path towards positivity and passion and purpose!" :) 

Or something to that affect. Say it outloud, if you can. Write down your affirmations, too. This is tremendous work and a wonderful success:)

Peace and Feel Well:)