need some advice!!!!

[trickyvicky]

Guys i don't know if anyone can help but i am starting a course soon as a personal trainer....which is a big thing for me as i was agoraphobic about 18mths ago and I've come a long way....I'm so stupid in one way because not have i only chosen a career that iscomplicated but its a 13 day intensive course.....so what u normally do over three years is being done in 13 days......As well as that its a very long day....starting at 9am and finishing at 7pm....so long days in a classroom with only 3 breaks....i know that if my anxiety gets the better of me,i can just say I'm using the toilet but theres only so many times u can do that...so some advise on coping techniques ,and also i have to either buy food there or take along a packed lunch with me....so this is a dilema...i don't want to buy because i worry about freshness,so i need to take food with me....can anyone suggest what i can take...of course i will take fruit but i need some other things like rice cakes....but i don't know if they have a fridge...the other thing is i have so much to take in with this course...does anyone have any advice on how to take information in and keep it in there....i haven't studied since i was 16 and I'm nearly 33....anyway...i know these are minor things to some people but i would love some feed back...getting really worried now as the course starts on Aug 1st....i really need to pass this as its a new change of career....a positive step forward for me,from were i was a few yrs ago...thanks again take care


Vicky x

[chicajojobe]

I know exactly where you're coming from. My emet flared up this year
during the last three months of my senior year, and boy was that fun
struggling to stay at school the whole day.

It helped me to keep myself well fed, which meant snacking during the
day eventhough I wasn't really supposed to. I liked to bring along dry
nuts like almonds or pecans, and granola bars worked pretty well for me
too. Not the kind with chocolate, but one of the healthier brands. I
was worried about gaining weight since I was eating more often but I
didn't.



Good luck to you in class. Let us know how it goes.

[mitch04133]

Another good thing to bring is peanut butter sandwiches. It has a lot of protein, and doesn't need to be refrigerated. You can also buy some of those crackers that are packaged with cheese, or peanut butter, those are real good to. Drink lots of water, and that will help with feeling more full, and if you feel an anxiety attack, just pop a mint in your mouth, that always helps with me. Good luck, you will be fine, and congratualtions on taking such a big step.

[SimplyMe]

Congratulations, Vicky! This is certainly a triumph! Food wise I agree, PB&J sandwiches are great when you dont' know if there's a fridge. As for the anxiety, I tend to "put myself off" when I'm in class and feel anxious I will look at the clock and say "Ok if I feel this way still in five minutes I can go out and try to calm down, then in five minutes I say that again and keep putting it off. Also sitting near the door helps then you know you can get out virtually unnoticed if you are anxious. You will probably be paying so close attention and be so busy you wont' have time to be anxious and remember it's only 13 days, keep reminding yourself of that. Then count down, if you start getting anxious in class say to yourself "I only have to do this for x amount of more days, I can do this"


As for remembering stuff, take notes, highlight, copy your notes later if you can it seems to help w/ the memory (for me anyhow) practicing I guess is what I mean. Also ask your instructor if they allow tape recorders then you can re listen at home any parts you feel you may have missed. I know you can't/won't tape and entire 10 hr day but say if something complicated is coming up it may help.


Anyhow hope this helps! I'm very proud of you for doing this! Good luck and please let us know how it goes. Also I didn't start at college until a couple years ago (I'm 27 now) and I was scared too especially because I home schooled for high school because my anxiety was so bad but college I love! So rememebr that too, you are not the same person you were 18 mos ago.

[trickyvicky]

hey guys thanks for these messages and advise...they do help tremendously....i know i can do it....and i want it so much,so thats a good start...a friend of mine is sending a Cd in the post,from paul mckenna on hynosis...so that i can listen to it every day before i study...apparantley is helps to let the brain take in as much information as possible...like theres no limit!!!! so I'll give it a try and it will come in handy for relaxation techniques....so what other way its going to help...


once again thanks for the message and I'll keep u updated....


Vicky x

[trickyvicky]

hey simple me,can i just ask what is PB&J sandwiches????


is it peanut butter,if so i cant eat peanuts,not allergic to them but they just don't agree with me and also bread i havent eaten for so long,i live on rice cakes....i think i will just take plenty of fruit and then a few treats like an energy bar or drink...i mean i'll have my main meal when i get home...so its not like i won't have a good meal....thanks again...and as for u pointing out that i'm not the person i was 18mths ago....it is soooooo true,and i appreciate the reminder,its easy to forget were i was at times and recognise were i am now...so thankyou!!!!!


vicky x

Congratulations, Vicky! This is certainly a triumph! Food wise I agree, PB&J sandwiches are great when you dont' know if there's a fridge. As for the anxiety, I tend to "put myself off" when I'm in class and feel anxious I will look at the clock and say "Ok if I feel this way still in five minutes I can go out and try to calm down, then in five minutes I say that again and keep putting it off. Also sitting near the door helps then you know you can get out virtually unnoticed if you are anxious. You will probably be paying so close attention and be so busy you wont' have time to be anxious and remember it's only 13 days, keep reminding yourself of that. Then count down, if you start getting anxious in class say to yourself "I only have to do this for x amount of more days, I can do this"


As for remembering stuff, take notes, highlight, copy your notes later if you can it seems to help w/ the memory (for me anyhow) practicing I guess is what I mean. Also ask your instructor if they allow tape recorders then you can re listen at home any parts you feel you may have missed. I know you can't/won't tape and entire 10 hr day but say if something complicated is coming up it may help.


Anyhow hope this helps! I'm very proud of you for doing this! Good luck and please let us know how it goes. Also I didn't start at college until a couple years ago (I'm 27 now) and I was scared too especially because I home schooled for high school because my anxiety was so bad but college I love! So rememebr that too, you are not the same person you were 18 mos ago.

[SimplyMe]

Yes, that is peanutbutter and jelly. You sound like you have the food situation under control. That CD sounds great! Anyhow, good luck and be proud of yourself for not being the same person as 18mos ago!