Practice Your New Skills Daily

The initial motivation and enthusiasm you have when you first decide to do something about your problem is usually sufficient to get you started. The real test is in following through. Are you willing to make a commitment to consistently practice skills and strategies that work for you over the many months and sometimes years that it takes to achieve a full and lasting recovery? In my experience, it is difficult to sustain a high level of motivation over such periods of time unless you have a deep and sincere commitment to persist with your recovery program until you're fully satisfied with the results. On a practical level, this means going out and exercising, or working on your self-esteem even on those days when you don't feel like it. It means that you get up and keep going even after you've had a setback which makes you wonder whether you'll ever feel better. While your motivation may wax and wane, a personal commitment to follow through with your program is what is going to make the difference between a partial or a complete recovery. The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook provides a Weekly Practice Record to help you outline in detail your personal program for recovery. The author recommends you practice these four skills — deep relaxation, one half hour of vigorous exercise, good nutritional habits and countering negative self-talk — five to seven times a week for fifty-two weeks a year. Share your progress with other women on the Anxiety, Panic & Phobias message board.Find more information about anxiety disorders.