self-care

World Mental Health Day: How Velcro Became My Secret Weapon Against Anxiety

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Anxiety is an annoying companion, sometimes turning everyday moments and simple tasks into huge challenges. Today is World Mental Health Day, it’s a reminder to reflect on our mental health journeys and the unique way we cope. For years, I struggled to manage my anxiety, logically knowing I wasn’t the only person dealing with it, but often feeling like I was the only one in the world with these feelings. It wasn’t until I discovered a small coping mechanism—a simple piece of Velcro—that I began to find comfort.

A Tactile Sensitivity

I always noticed that I had some kind of tactile sensitivity. As a little girl, I would rub my face against stuffed animals and run my fingers over rough surfaces like the seams of clothing. There was something comforting in those sensations, a way to soothe myself when the world felt overwhelming. This need for tactile interaction continued into adulthood, eventually leading me to the discovery of a new solution to add to my anxiety toolbox.

The Velcro Solution

I first realized that Velcro could be a cool solution when I was carrying a backpack one day and my fingers brushed against a piece of Velcro on its surface. I found a piece of adhesive type (hook side) of Velcro and folded it in half so I have a two sided piece to carry in my pocket. At first, carrying it in my pocket felt strange. I worried that others would judge me if they saw me fidgeting with it. Occasionally, I would drop it and I would feel such embarrassment. The fear of being noticed, of standing out for something I considered odd, made my anxiety even worse. Yet, the tactile sensation of pressing the Velcro into my fingertips provided a sense of relief. It was my little secret—a simple act that helped ground me when I felt unsteady.

A woman with blonde hair holding a piece of Velcro
My pocket sized Velcro

The Journey to Acceptance

For a long time, I thought I was weird for relying on this piece of looped fabric. I kept it hidden, ashamed of my need to fidget. But one day, during a routine check-up, I mustered the courage to confide in my doctor about my Velcro habit. To my surprise, she didn’t react with judgment or disbelief. Instead, she shared that many people use similar techniques to cope with anxiety. It was a lightbulb moment for me; I was not alone in my struggles.

This conversation opened the floodgates to a new understanding. It was no longer just a piece of looped fabric; I could now think of it a tool to control my anxiety.

Around 2017, fidget spinners and other sensory toys began to flood the market, I started to see a community forming around these coping mechanisms. I learned about others who carry small items like paper clips in their pockets, using them to fidget discreetly during stressful moments, such as when making speeches. Suddenly, I realized I wasn’t the only one seeking comfort in the tactile world. It felt liberating to realize that my method of managing anxiety was not just acceptable—it was normal.

Embracing Fidgeting

I still have a small sense of embarrassment around the Velcro in my pocket, but with this blog I’m hoping to let it go. I embrace it as a part of my daily routine. It’s a reminder that I have a strategy to manage my anxiety. My hope is that talking about it will become a way for others to share their own fidgeting habits, whether it’s squeezing a stress ball, a calm strip on your keyboard, or using a fidget cube. We must foster an environment of openness, making discussions about mental health less stigmatized and more relatable.

Final Thoughts

Please remember that anxiety can feel isolating, and everyone has their own methods of coping. Whether it’s Velcro, fidget spinners, paper clips, or something entirely different, these tools can provide comfort in times of stress. By sharing our experiences, we can create a supportive community where it’s okay to be different. So, if you find relief in a piece of Velcro or any other fidgeting tool, know that you’re not weird—you’re simply finding your path to calm in a chaotic world. So tell me below, how do you manage your anxiety?

This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on October 10, 2024.

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World Mental Health Day

As we recognize World Mental Health Day, it’s a poignant reminder of the importance of mental well-being in our lives. This year, I am recommitting to a campaign at GDIT that emphasizes the value of checking in on those around us. Whether it’s colleagues, loved ones, friends, or neighbors, a simple yet profound question can make all the difference: “How Are You, Really?”

You never know who may be struggling on any given day. By taking the time to ask and genuinely listen, we can create a supportive community where everyone feels valued and heard. So let’s #KeepAsking and stick around to listen to the response. Together, we can foster a culture of openness and compassion that truly makes an impact.

As we reflect on the significance of mental health, let’s remember that our small gestures can lead to significant changes in the lives of others. Let’s keep this conversation going and continue to check in on one another.

·      GDIT How Are You, Really? Resources

Articles about Touch and Anxiety:

Deep Pressure Therapy: A Promising Anxiety Treatment for Individuals With High Touch Comfort?, National Library of Medicine

How Your Sense of Touch Can Reduce Your Anxiety, University Hospitals

Sensory Tools for Adult Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide, Caregiving Network

Finding Your Balance: The Art of Work / Life Management

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We all know the struggle of juggling various responsibilities, whether it’s work, family, or the demands of everyday life. Even our beloved furry pet companions can be quite insistent when it comes to our attention! (My cat never lets up) Taking just a single day off can sometimes lead to a mountain of tasks, especially when it comes to those never-ending emails. So, here’s the burning question: How do you effectively manage your workload and balance your life?

I’d like to say I have the answers, but I asked my old pal ChatGPT to suggest some strategies that could help me regain control and achieve a healthy work-life balance. I had to do some tweaking on it’s results, and here are a few of those strategies:

Prioritize with Purpose:

Start by identifying your most critical tasks and rank them based on urgency and importance. This way, you can tackle them head-on and ensure that vital assignments receive the attention they deserve. This is my favorite! Every morning I knock out all of the small tasks like deleting emails I don’t need, move to responding to emails that are response need only, and then I move to small do-able tasks like updating intranet site.

Delegate and Collaborate:

Don’t be afraid to seek support from your team or colleagues. Delegating tasks can lighten your workload and foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility. This is one that took me way too long to understand and figure out. When I was young, I thought that if I wanted something done right, I had to do it my self. However, I’ve come to realize the selflessness in involving others. When you handle tasks alone, you deprive others of the chance to assist you. Allowing someone to contribute can empower them and potentially enable them to acquire new skills and responsibilities, fostering a more dynamic and engaged team.

Set Realistic Expectations:

Avoid overcommitting yourself by setting realistic deadlines and expectations. Communicate openly with stakeholders and manage their expectations effectively to avoid unnecessary stress. I overcommit every single day. How about you? My standard answer “sure!” is usually my response when asked if I can meet a deadline and I don’t really know how I will get it done, but I’m going to do it anyway.

Efficient Time Management:

Explore techniques like time blocking, where you allocate specific time slots for different tasks. This approach helps you stay focused, minimizes distractions, and enhances productivity. I haven’t done much of this yet, but I’m working toward it.

Learn to Say “No”:

While it’s important to be helpful, remember that you have limitations. Learn to say “no” when necessary, especially when additional tasks would overwhelm your schedule or hinder your ability to deliver quality work. This is one that I will never achieve. It is not in my nature to say “no”. I love helping people and I love learning new things. Saying “yes” for me is sometimes an opportunity to learn about someone else’s processes and job. I like to know a little bit about a lot of things.

Embrace Technology:

Leverage productivity tools and automation to streamline repetitive tasks and optimize your workflow. From email filters and scheduling software to project management platforms, technology can be your ally in managing your workload efficiently. If you’ve followed me for any time, you know I love technology and automation. I’m going to find ways to make things easier!

Take Breaks and Recharge:

A photo of a gray and white cat with green eyes
There are no breaks with Ziggy – he never waits for breakfast

Remember to prioritize self-care and well-being. Taking regular breaks, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in activities you enjoy can help you recharge and maintain focus during busy periods. Nope, I haven’t even come close to mastering this one. My typical routine involves waking up, tending to my cat, getting ready, brushing my teeth, and heading straight to my desk, where I remain all day. I even have lunch at my desk and rarely take breaks. It’s a less than ideal habit, and I acknowledge that. Lately, caring for my parents’ medical needs has been my only respite from work, although it’s not quite a break. I’m committed to improving this aspect of my routine in the upcoming year.

⚡️ Now it’s your turn! How do you approach managing your workload amidst the chaos of work, family, and life? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and conquer the challenges together! 👇💪

This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on Jan 30, 2024