Hi everyone,
Thank you for the kind words and advice. I really enjoy using the discussion board, because I feel as though I am never alone. Thank you, Diva, for reminding me that I need to be kind to myself and that I'm "sick". I didn't really see it that way. But I know that I would have been kinder to myself if I have the flu, so I'm trying to look at it that way. Thanks to Lorlee for reminding me that I can use substitutions to my normal ways of stress relief like deep breathing and meditation. I usually do progressive relaxation, but right now, tensing certain parts of my body would not be good! But you're right-there are other ways to go about it. Finally, thanks to Casey for reminding me to focus on my back to work plan. There is already a plan in place, but I have been avoiding putting much thought into it (which is probably just causing me to be more anxious!!). I think I will try doing some visualization in preparation for next week when I return to work.
Again, thank you to everyone who responded. Having the discussion board and a connection to people in similar situations is such a great source of support in my life. Diva, hope you are being equally kind to yourself and get better soon. :-)