Cock-a-Doodle-Doom: What Roosters Teach Us About Anxiety
Here's Richard in all his glory, moments before he attempted to drink out of my water glass.
So, I just got home from vacation. Okay. It's been about a week. I don't know about you, but I need transition time before re-joining the real world. The post-vacation blues are a real thing.
We had the privilege of staying at a friend's cabin in a vineyard, complete with Richard the rooster and Lucy the hen (affectionately referred to as "the chickens).
It was relaxing, connected, and joyous. We spent a lot of time with our family, being outside, going on hikes (which is the same thing, only moving), shopping at produce stands, laughing, and sleeping deeply.
The chickens were by far the star of our time away. They were always up to something. At one point, Richard had his head poised right above the rim of my glass as if, at any moment, he would take a sip.
When I closed my eyes for only a second, I opened them to find Lucy a mere inches away from my face. Perhaps she was curious or about to give me one of her "chicken kisses" on my nose. I'll never know for sure.
You're probably wondering why all the talk about chickens.
Besides the fact that I adored these birds, Richard was a vocal reminder of how our nervous system can react when we’re anxious or stressed.
Let me explain.
Richard vocalizes if he senses a threat - like seeing my hyperactive 4-year-old lab mix, Finn. After he flies up in a tree, Richard proceeds to cock-a-doodle-do, long after the danger is gone.
Like MANY minutes later long.
We jokingly referred to him as dramatic. Even Lucy would look at him like, "STILL?"
It makes sense, though.
His nervous system was going through the motion of self-regulating, and Richard needed more time before he could return to his rooster baseline.
We do the same thing when we're anxious. Sometimes, it's verbal, but usually, we'll sense it in our bodies (increased heart rate), or it revolves around the stories we tell ourselves about the situation (I can't believe I said that - it was so dumb.)
Like Richard, we try to move away from the threat. Then, our bodies react out of fear, and our minds offer up all the ways we need to stay safe.
Here are three non-conventional approaches to help you move more easefully through your experience.
Acknowledge the anxiety, or better yet, your experience. Something like, "Woah, I feel anxious."
Let it be there. Yes, it will feel uncomfortable. Anxiety has an up-and-out energy that can drive you to take action. The challenge will be to stay put. Notice where you feel the anxiety in your body. Notice what you're thinking. You don't have to do anything about it.
Thank your anxiety. This part of you wants attention. Give it in the form of gratitude. "Thank you for keeping me safe."
Give it a try, and let me know what you think.
Stay curious,
Sheila
Sheila Tucker is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Heart Mind & Soul Counseling. She empowers clients who overthink, worry, and experience their fair share of anxiety to become more rooted in peace, ease, and confidence. When not in the office, you'll find her walking her pups or planning her next mountain getaway with her husband.
P.S. Want to read more about calming your anxiety? Click on the link below to read about calming your anxious mind.
P.P.S. Are you interested in joining an Anxiety Skills group? For clarity, this is a group to learn skills to manage your anxiety. You probably already have the skills to become anxious.
Anywho, if you're interested, let me know by clicking here.
P.P.P.S. If you're wondering what to talk about in therapy, I have a few suggestions. Click here to read my latest article in CH2/CB2 Magazine - What to Talk About in Therapy - According to a Therapist. https://celebrateblufftonandbeyond.com/what-to-talk-about-in-therapy-according-to-a-therapist/
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