10 mins

[Pinkbrenda2012]

Ok going out for a meal in 10 mins and fair to say im cacking it:-( any tips? X

[Annie0904]

I just posted a thread about my meal out today. I just tried to visualise myself going there and feeling happy. I only ate a small meal and ended up enjoying it although I do feel exhausted now! I find it easier to sit near a door or window. If you do need to go out for some fresh air just go out. I hope you can manage to have a good evening

[PanchoGoz]

Drop shoulders, breathe out, smile. You are enjoying yourself, you are in control.

Oh wait you posted that an hour ago, how did you do then??

[Pinkbrenda2012]

Well i did it and enjoyed it just th pub to tackle now wish me luck x

[Annie0904]

well done

[PanchoGoz]

that's great!!! a meal out is a big thing, consider the pub as a warm down! Well done xxxx

[MRS STRESS ED]

So pleased for you well done xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Pinkbrenda2012]

Im home now only because im tired left the bf in the pub :-& but now im home the palpitations have startes they drive me mad :-( how can i stop them?

[Annie0904]

Don't focus on them. Do something to distract yourself, you have had a busy day so try to do something to relax...maybe a nice hot bath and try to relax. remind yourself how well you have done today and how much you have achieved...You have done really well

[Anxious_gal]

Annie is right! Thinking about the meal in a positive way helps turn the anxiety into excitement.
Tell yourself that you want to go! View the anxiety as a seperate being, tell it you're going whether it likes it or not! Get angry with the anxiety

Take bathroom breaks, go outside for some air, focus on the meal and conversation rather than the anxiety : )