668: How to calm your mind before a medical procedure
This week on the Anxiety podcast we’re discussing how to lower your anxiety and look after yourself before and during medical procedures thanks to a request from one of our listeners.
“I would love an episode that focuses on calming prior to a procedure, big or small. Something as simple as getting a vaccination or blood draw to knee surgery or open heart surgery. Fear, uncertainty, anticipation, and vulnerability triggers anxiety for me every time. I am helping my daughters navigate this and would love tips to keep me grounded no matter what is happening or coming so I can help them stay in the present as well. Thanks you for all that you do. Keep slaying!”
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Points covered in this episode:
Get some clarity
This kind of anxiety can feel very big and invasive.
Getting clear on what worries you and getting support can help.
Ask yourself what your main concern is. For example, a fear of needles, general discomfort with white coats, anxiety over a potential diagnosis, or about feeling confined.
Talking with a trusted friend, or a professional can help you get clear and from there explore the support you need.
Take care of practical things in advance
Having practical arrangements in place ahead of time is one less thing to worry about.
Do you need someone to accompany you?
Bookend
Often when we're worried about this kind of event it feels like a dead end and we cant see anything positive beyond it. Bookending the day of your appointment with something to look forward to later can help you see beyond to a place where you can relax and settle.
Maybe a walk, or an evening with a friend, or starting a new book you’ve been wanting to read.
After the break we’ll be talking about supportive calming techniques you can do before a visit to the doctor or any medical procedure.
Dig in were you find comfort
Find inspiration.
Go deeper with your personal spiritual or self-care practices.
Calming and coping techniques
Rescue Remedy - before and after
The Calming Point - guided practice on our Patreon
Tapping for specific fears
Guided SOS Tapping for when anxiety is running high, you can find guided sessions in our Health Anxiety course.
It’s our 14th anniversary and to celebrate we’re offering 50% off of our most popular courses in the Anxiety Slayer Academy for a limited time with the coupon code “Anniversary” Visit anxietyslayer.teachable.com to explore our courses.