Anxious Purchasing

Anxiety. Can’t live with it, but can’t live without it. It may be uncomfortable, but the motivational qualities of anxiety can be helpful. For instance, students get better grades with a moderate amount of anxiety. With too little anxiety, however, motivation to study and work hard during tests in minimal. On the other hand, too much anxiety causes students to freeze up and disengage from their work. But, when anxiety levels are moderate, students are both motivated to perform well, without freaking out, freezing up, or having their emotions interfere with their thought processes.

There are many ways to cope with the anxiety that inevitably accompanies a big event like out-of-town, life altering (and threatening!) surgery. Some strategies are helpful and some may be problematic. One of my favorite methods also feeds into an addiction I have: SHOPPING! Here is a running list of items that are absolutely essential to purchase in preparation for such a significant event:

Although this helps reduce my anxiety, for some strange reason, my husband’s anxiety level seems to be increasing. So, being a well-trained scientist, I have rubbed my chin and pondered this phenomenon. Hubby does seem to be working harder. I have to assume that this is because his anxiety has increased to the point of optimal productivity. Obviously, despite the risks of reducing my anxiety too much, or of triggering addictive behaviors, it is my obligation to continue with coping in this manner. I wouldn’t want my husband to become so relaxed that he couldn’t perform well at work…right? Otherwise, he might not be able to make enough money for my shopping and then I couldn’t cope with the stress of my upcoming surgery!

1 Zippered pad-folio to organize papers.