Wow, so this is basically the technique I started when a close family member was dying of cancer.
“But if you’re at dinner, then you’re at dinner and you enjoy that”
I just want to add to this, give yourself permission to fully enjoy it and be happy in the moment. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling joy when you know others are still in crisis.
Make a list on paper or digital and let all the problems wait while you enjoy the moment. It’s okay to enjoy the moment.
Ask about propranolol - it’s a beta blocker.
It was prescribed to a family member for stage fright that was causing physical symptoms.
The nervousness is still there, but the control of the body came back.
Imagine trying to play drums or something and your hands shaking so bad you can’t hold the drumsticks…
If the xanax is messing with your thinking or energy, and you are medically cleared, a beta-blocker might help.