how often do you meditate? I would give it a go to relieve stress but I'm worried it might just be a waist of time.
If you do learn to meditate, you will do it in the morning and in the afternoon. NEVER before bed. When you truly learn to clear your mind and you come back to the "real world", the last thing you will be able to do is sleep. It's a great way to jumpstart the day and to give you an extra boost in the afternoon.
I can do it once or twice a day and then skip two days. Sometimes the energy from meditation is overwhelming for me. I wouldn't worry about it being a "waste of time"... you've got nothing to lose. Everyone should learn how to clear their minds from time to time. It's kind of like taking out the trash. It has to be done every so often.
Some people just stress more than others, especially those that are hungry for knowledge and accomplishment in life. When you take everything to the limit, you don't learn to chill and be happy. You ever notice people that don't seem to have a care in the world? Sometimes I think they are on to something. Everything in moderation.
Someone asked about drug use. If you have been taking prescription pills for some time- and maybe drinking, smoking, etc. you will have a lot higher chance of getting anxiety. Maybe not in the beginning, but after a time the toxicity builds up and your system tries to protect you from doing farther harm to yourself.
You would be surprised how many people work each day with anxiety, depression, vertigo, panic, weakness, tremors... all that. Some of them have been dealing with it for so long that they just figure it's a part of life and they don't ever say anything to anyone. I know this chick in her early 30's that is afraid to drive. She is single, she is hot, but she doesnt like dating because she hates telling guys she can't drive. She CAN drive, it's just that if it's for more than 20 minutes or so, she gets vertigo.
For the guy who takes Xanax to get through a day of work, I totally understand. I am fine at the gym, doing seminars with crowds, travelling, etc., But, when I have to sit in the office and dispatch a 12 hour day, Xanax is my friend.
I haven't drank coffee since my first anxiety attack. I can drink decaf, but what's the point? No stimulants whatsover. Even Coke Zero fucks with me because of the aspartame.
Life changes. I guess we just deal with it. There are folks who have much much worse lives than we do.