Stressin at work today. I haven't had an urge but

Recovery
#1

Stressin at work today. I haven't had an urge but I've realized i also have to find new ways to keep my anger and frustration at bay. Any suggestions on something that has worked for you guys? Something i can do on the fly at work?

#2

Take up a hobby that keeps your hands busy. Knitting is a good one.

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#3

Breathing practices always help me and are easy to do in the moment. Box breathing is one of my favorites, you inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4 and exhale for a count of 4.

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#4

Try to remember that you can’t control everything. Sometimes we can’t control anything. Try not to take work headaches home with you.

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#5

I feel you Man!! I had so much anger in early sobriety!! I'd talked to God a lot! I'd write too. You can makes notes on your phone... somehow writing took the power out of it!! Breath...

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#6

Thank you..

#7

It goes from anger to crying, then to guilt because of the anger, then to crying again. I just feel like im losing my mind. Of course having a court date looming doesn't help but im trying put it all in the acceptance column and change what i can but i guess what im saying is im just overwhelmed. Im not lookong for pity, i just want to successfully navigate these feelings without using and have a better life

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#8

Yep! I totally get it! I was where you're at! Court date and all! We're not used to feeling so we don't know what to do with them! But it is important to identify what you're feeling and why and walk through it! The tricky thing is, keeping your emotions in check at work. I used to have to check mine at the door! I couldn't bring any of it with me or I wouldn't be able to function.
Do you have a sponsor?

#9

Anger is often a “cover up” emotion. I know when I feel anxious, overwhelmed, or upset it comes out in anger. Perhaps try journaling? Unfortunately there is no quick fix for all the feelings of early sobriety, but you’re FEELING!! You aren’t numb!

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#10

Not yet, no.

#11

I work in a fast-paced food service position and deal with a ton of customer-induced stress. It’s hard to regulate your own emotions when other people seem intent on upsetting you.

I bring my knitting projects to work on during my lunch break, and that helps me calm down and refocus for the second half of my shift. I also try to take a minute in the walk-in fridge or step outside at least once every few hours (physically cooling myself down helps me cool my emotions a bit). Obviously these may or may not be options for you lol.

In the moment, I just try to think of one good thing. It might be a joke someone told earlier, something I’m looking forward to after work, or just being proud of myself for keeping it together up to that point. I also try to pick one coworker every shift who I know will cover me if I absolutely have to step away.

My anger and frustration usually present themselves through anxiety, so I find that making back up plans (even when I know I’m going overboard) helps soothe that a bit. It just reminds me that if I’m in a tough spot, I can figure something out.

#12

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to no the difference .:dromedary_camel:

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