Anxiety tics

You know what's super wild? Having these little anxiety tics that just pop up whenever I'm feeling even a little off. I mean, I’m 21, and it still catches me off guard how my body reacts to stress. Like, one minute, I’m fine, chatting with my friends or whatever, and the next, I'm biting my nails until they bleed or tapping my foot so fast it feels like I’m in some kind of weird race against time. It’s like a switch flips, and suddenly I’m a mess. Ever had that feeling? It's such a buzzkill, especially when everyone else seems chill around me, and I'm there like a human metronome, just going off!

Last week was a prime example. I was getting ready for this big presentation in class, and I thought I was totally prepared. I mean, I studied, I practiced, I even did that classic thing where you imagine the audience in their underwear—okay, maybe that didn’t help! But as the day approached, my hands started to shake, and I couldn’t stop fidgeting. At one point, I caught myself pulling at my hair, which is probably the worst habit ever. Then I paused and realized, wow, this isn’t just me being nervous; it’s like my body’s way of screaming “HELP!” without actually yelling. And of course, I didn't mention it to anyone because, you know, who wants to sound like a total drama queen? But then again, it made me think about how many people deal with this sorta thing, right?

In my head, I was just trying to convince myself that it was normal, that everyone gets anxious about presentations, but man, when those tics take over, it feels like I'm a puppet on strings, moving uncontrollably. Some days I feel like I need to put my foot down and say, "Listen, body, you can chill," but then it’s like reality hits and I’m just another 21-year-old trying to figure out life. It’s honestly exhausting! Some people might suggest breathing exercises or meditation, and I’ve tried those, but it’s like my brain is this buzzy little hamster on a wheel, just going and going with no signs of stopping. Plus, who has the time to sit in silence when there are notifications going off every five seconds? It’s like the more I try to relax, the more on edge I feel. Ever been in that spot where you're so wound up that you can't even think straight?

I guess I should be thankful that I at least recognize these tics for what they are; it could be worse, I know. But, sometimes, I can't help but doubt if I’m even managing it right. Like, each time I notice myself scratching my wrist or tapping my pencil to the point where it’s practically splintering, it’s this annoying reminder that I still have a long way to go. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel like they're in control, am I right?! It’s frustrating to think about how these little behaviors can throw me off my game, especially when I'm out with friends. Like they'll be laughing and having a good time, and I’m sitting there, trying to hide the fact that I'm about to burst into a ball of anxiety. It's tough trying to blend in when you feel like you’re standing out for all the wrong reasons. So, yeah, if you’ve got any tricks to calm those nerves or manage those sneaky little anxiety tics, I’m all ears;

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