Maybe my anxiety is also just a result of being disregulated.
I've been reading as much as I can about Aspergers in the workplace, and there's useful info on being disregulated and needing to be more intentional about trying to regulate oneself with smart routines. I used to hate routines in the sense that i didn't want to have to stick to anything - but I think I can really benefit form routines. I came up with a night time routine, and it was amazing how much more relaxed I felt by the time I got into bed. I only managed to do it 2 or 3 days in a row before falling away, but if I keep trying, maybe I can establish a routine. I also am trying to establish a morning routine that will be beneficial for me - I can see how that would improve my sense of peace in the morning, especially before work.
I would like to reimagine my life in terms of intentional routines. I think that would also give me a sense of control as far as knowing I am actually fitting in all the things I value in my life. It's hard to start living this way, but the brief experience I had of it felt more happy, peaceful, and sane. Maybe I can get to the point where I generally can follow the routines/schedule, and if I once in a while mess up, well, that's just to be expected.
Thinking of how/when I can incorporate all the things that I actually *want* to do, and finding the times/ways I can incorporate them so that less stress is created in my life, seems like a beneficial thing to do. Maybe I used to do this somewhat automatically. But now my life seems more full of things that I want to do, it can feel overwhelming - Aspie burnout makes things feel more overwhelming anyway. But I think my burnout is getting better.
I think another form of regulating myself is remembering to check in with myself throughout the day, especially when in the company of others, to see how I am truly feeling and expressing that within my own head. Also, being aware of sensory issues and taking breaks if possible.
Thought-blocking is also something I think I need to do to stop over-analyzing, obsessing (which i sometimes may confuse with processing) things. I think my special interests actually served as thought-blockers - perhaps that's why they were so deeply relaxing, I didn't think about all of my worries. But I may use particular prayers as thought-blockers now, if needed - for example when trying to fall asleep and my thoughts won't shut off.
I've been reading as much as I can about Aspergers in the workplace, and there's useful info on being disregulated and needing to be more intentional about trying to regulate oneself with smart routines. I used to hate routines in the sense that i didn't want to have to stick to anything - but I think I can really benefit form routines. I came up with a night time routine, and it was amazing how much more relaxed I felt by the time I got into bed. I only managed to do it 2 or 3 days in a row before falling away, but if I keep trying, maybe I can establish a routine. I also am trying to establish a morning routine that will be beneficial for me - I can see how that would improve my sense of peace in the morning, especially before work.
I would like to reimagine my life in terms of intentional routines. I think that would also give me a sense of control as far as knowing I am actually fitting in all the things I value in my life. It's hard to start living this way, but the brief experience I had of it felt more happy, peaceful, and sane. Maybe I can get to the point where I generally can follow the routines/schedule, and if I once in a while mess up, well, that's just to be expected.
Thinking of how/when I can incorporate all the things that I actually *want* to do, and finding the times/ways I can incorporate them so that less stress is created in my life, seems like a beneficial thing to do. Maybe I used to do this somewhat automatically. But now my life seems more full of things that I want to do, it can feel overwhelming - Aspie burnout makes things feel more overwhelming anyway. But I think my burnout is getting better.
I think another form of regulating myself is remembering to check in with myself throughout the day, especially when in the company of others, to see how I am truly feeling and expressing that within my own head. Also, being aware of sensory issues and taking breaks if possible.
Thought-blocking is also something I think I need to do to stop over-analyzing, obsessing (which i sometimes may confuse with processing) things. I think my special interests actually served as thought-blockers - perhaps that's why they were so deeply relaxing, I didn't think about all of my worries. But I may use particular prayers as thought-blockers now, if needed - for example when trying to fall asleep and my thoughts won't shut off.
