Any tips on how to manage anxiety at night once

Any tips on how to manage anxiety at night once you stop drinking ??

2 Likes

Box breathing. It's proven to reset the nervous system to a calm state.

Step 1: Breathe in counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs.

Step 2: Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds.

Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you feel re-centered.

There is plenty of info on box breathing online if you want to explore.

7 Likes

Benadryl can help. The anxiety varies in all of of us.

Try a guided meditation on YouTube.

1 Like

Jeff is spot on absolutely right

1 Like

I'm going to try this method. I wake up a couple times a night panicked and shaking.

Breathing exercises really helped me. Also yoga stretching & prayer.

3 Likes

EFT tapping. There are some short instructional videos on YouTube. It’s a great tool.

How long have you been clean? My anxiety really lasted about 4 or 5 nights - taking unosom and melatonin helped some I believe

Calm magnesium drink helped me a lot along with breathing exercises. Also keep in mind it will eventually pass once your brain adjusts. I still have days that are difficult and it’s been almost three months. It takes awhile. Hang in there and breathe. :sparkling_heart:

1 Like

Try Running. I ran ALOT durning my first few weeks of sobriety

2 Likes

I also take librium which has tremendously helped with anxiety and sleep, also with the shaking. If your open to taking it. Id give it a go but it is a short term treatment as it is a benzo. Take it for a month or so then taper off. Hope this helps

1 Like

It depends on the anxiety... if it's racing thoughts, I've found putting on a mildly interesting but quiet documentary puts me to sleep, guides my mind away from the anxious thoughts without over-stimulating my brain

Hi Dana-I’m happy to chat/share with you if you are feeling anxiety. I too struggle with racing thoughts when pulling off drinking for days at a time. It’s been 2 months and sleeping is so much better. Mornings-hang over free-are the best! It’s a different kind of high and it’s free-ha!

1 Like