For those of you that pay attention to the dates of my posts you will have noticed that I have not updated this diary of events when I have used worry beads to control my illness for some time. This is because there has not been a major event when I feel compelled to take action and use them. I have used worry beads heavily for over five months now and I have to admit to feeling calmer. There are little things like not being in a hurry so much. If I am asked to make a decision I don’t rush out an answer but take time to think through the best solution. When my boys are playing up I no longer feel my emotions kick in but can calmly resolve the situation. I am sure they haven’t noticed as the answer is still to raise my voice, but that normally gets the solution I am after!!
Although it is too early to say and also I am only a sample of one but I have to say from just my experience I would say that long term use of worry beads are definitely making me more calm and life is so much easier to cope with. I have thought this for some time but had a clear indication of it yesterday when we had a gathering of twelve people for afternoon tea. Under normal circumstances this would make me uncomfortable even stressed but to add to this my wife’s Aunt was visiting from the States. She has always had strong opinions about most things and is very abrupt in how she puts over her point so there is normally plenty of opportunity to get stressed. She was her usual self however I was not. I joined the group feeling calm and stayed for a couple of hours without my pulse rising once. In fact it was the beaming hot sun that sent me indoors whereas I would have normally looked for an excuse. The improvement in my anxiety was further evidenced in that I did not pick up a set of worry beads until going to bed.
Whilst I am not rushing to confirm these first indications as being permanent I am enjoying the calmness of my life. In addition to the lack of anxiety attacks I find I can exercise harder and longer as my resting heart rate is that much lower. I am also finding that what was urgent can be recognised as not so urgent. Life is just calmer and at the moment strange. I will let you know how I adjust and if this can be maintained.
Kevin
The English Worry Bead Co
www.englishworrybeads.uk
