How Should I Calm Myself Down?

[janemariesayed]

I have to take Loopy to the vet today to get her eye looked at. It's only half nine and the appointment isn't until this afternoon. Yet already I am feeling anxious. The vet is no problem, yet I don't like sitting in the waiting room. I end up having to talk to people so maybe that is adding to my anxiety?

The taxi driver is okay, but sometimes he lets me down, so I'll have to phone him. Or maybe I shouldn't I don't know. I already phoned him to remind him and we ended up changing the appointment to the afternoon so I find phone calls with him stressful. Because I find changing appointment times stressful and that makes me anxious.

Anyone have any ideas on how to calm down?

 

[Rinka]

I would say maybe drink some camomile tea. But then I would hide the fact that I feel the same sometimes and have no idea, how to deal with it.
I guess how I sometimes get over the anxiety and anticipation is going for a run beforehand, to release some of the tension. I also tend to always take a book with me to any sort of appointment, safes me from small talk.
Why do people feel the need to talk at the vet or doctor anyway? I prefer a nice sci-fi book and read it until I hear my name, no need for conversation.

 

[janemariesayed]

I would say maybe drink some camomile tea. But then I would hide the fact that I feel the same sometimes and have no idea, how to deal with it.
I guess how I sometimes get over the anxiety and anticipation is going for a run beforehand, to release some of the tension. I also tend to always take a book with me to any sort of appointment, safes me from small talk.
Why do people feel the need to talk at the vet or doctor anyway? I prefer a nice sci-fi book and read it until I hear my name, no need for conversation.

Yes, I feel a bit stupid in front of people. My dogs always get people looking at them so it doesn't help that they are so sociable. I am terribly shy but you wouldn't know it if you saw me at the vets. If someone chats to me then I seem to them to chat away without a care. Inside though, I am screaming that I want the appointment to be over and wish the ground would swallow me up.

Taking a book with me could be a good idea. The only thing with that though, is that both my dogs need to be controlled when in a public environment. They are quite muscly and strong and very excitable. They both love people and want to jump all over them. So I have to focus to keep them both sitting down and behaving. still, a book is a good idea for any other kind of appointment I may have to go on.

 

[Rinka]

Oh gosh I have one like that as well.
See picture? That's the face of a dog saying: hey you stranger! Yes you! I love you! Cuddle me! Cuddle me!
And then you have no chance but talk with them about your dog that just loves everyone.

 

[janemariesayed]

Your dog is a bully breed I think? So are my two. One is a boxer Loopyloo (in the avatar pic) and the other one is Carlos a staffie cross.

 

[Rinka]

Oh my god! Luck at those faces! Those little faces
Yes my little chrissie is a 9 year old staffy lady. She is always mistaken for a puppy though because she is so wiggley

 

[Emma_s]

Your dogs are adorable! Have you considered music or a podcast? Whenever I feel anxious in situations like this I put my headphones on, low enough so I can be aware of my surroundings. People usually leave you alone, and you can be hands free. Of course I take them out to pay and such, I don't mean to be rude. But it just helps, it keeps me entertained and I can calm down.

 

[janemariesayed]

It sounds like a good idea. I don't have a podcast or such but I do have some small headphones. If people saw me wearing them they may not feel like approaching me. People always approach me for some reason. I can always take them out of my ear when I have to talk to them.

My little one is wiggly. I had a boxer like that too. Tao, the dog I told you about before. Both breeds have the Bull dog in them in their breed make up, so I think it's a bully breed thing. I love it when Carly wiggles his little bum into a horseshoe, just like Tao used to do. I'm not sure if it's a boy dog thing but there are some things that little Carl does that are like Tao. Like getting into my bed by the pillows. Both of them had made me make the bed 4 or 5 times a day. The way they lay down with their forelegs folded in like they are twiddling their thumbs.

 

[ursellb]

I have to take Loopy to the vet today to get her eye looked at. It's only half nine and the appointment isn't until this afternoon. Yet already I am feeling anxious. The vet is no problem, yet I don't like sitting in the waiting room. I end up having to talk to people so maybe that is adding to my anxiety?

The taxi driver is okay, but sometimes he lets me down, so I'll have to phone him. Or maybe I shouldn't I don't know. I already phoned him to remind him and we ended up changing the appointment to the afternoon so I find phone calls with him stressful. Because I find changing appointment times stressful and that makes me anxious.

Anyone have any ideas on how to calm down?

Drink a cup of tea for anxiety and don't
change your vet appointments so when
you call for a taxi the call won't be stressful on you. When you sit in the waiting room
just say hello to everyone and be done with it.

 

[janemariesayed]

I drink a cup of chamomile tea beforehand and it seems to work a little. These things just have to be done. I can't not, take my dog to the vets when they need it. Mostly I just take one dog at a time and it is easier to make the control. I still feel vulnerable being in a public place though.

I feel nervous in the taxi too and talk too much because of nervousness. I'm sure he must think I am crazy! lol