Every single day around 3pm I start getting anxious about nothing and everything at the same time. My heart races, I get this sense of dread. Then the kids get home and it kind of goes away but comes back later. Anyone else deal with this? I've been trying exercise but it's hard with my schedule. Thinking about actually scheduling an appointment instead of just scrolling Reddit about it lol.
That sounds really tough to deal with every day. Have you talked to your doc about it yet? Sometimes just naming the pattern helps, and there might be some real strategies that could help break the cycle.
Never thought about this being a pattern before but now I'm wondering if I have one too. Does it stay the whole afternoon or does it pass after a bit?
The 3pm crash is real. For me it usually hits right after I finish work before I have to switch modes to dad mode. Have you tried going for a walk or doing some quick exercise when it hits?
The witching hour but earlier. I get it. For me it's right when I get home and realize I haven't actually eaten anything all day. Try a snack and see if that's part of it?
3pm is like clockwork for me too. I thought I was losing it. Is it about pickup time or something kid-related, or just totally random anxiety?
This hits different as a parent too because you start thinking about all the stuff you forgot to do. I've found that just acknowledging it instead of fighting it helps.
That's such a specific time too. Are the kids home by then? Sometimes that transition energy can throw us off more than we realize. I started taking a walk right at 3 and it helps.
The 3pm thing is real. For me it hits right when school pickup happens and I realize I haven't accomplished anything work-wise. Then guilt spiral starts. You doing anything to manage it or just riding it out?
Have you talked to a doctor about this? I had something similar and it turned out to be a combo of caffeine and just the day catching up with me. Cutting back on coffee after 11am helped weirdly.
I get that. It's like once the initial adrenaline of the day wears off your brain just spirals. Have you talked to your doctor about it or tried any specific breathing stuff?
Right there with you. Some days it's worse than others. I started going outside for like 10 minutes in the afternoon and it helps break the cycle.
Anxiety is no joke. That time of day hits different when you're responsible for everyone else's schedule too. You're not alone in this.
Sign in to join the conversation.
That 3pm thing sounds rough. With two schools and two different pickup times, my schedule is chaos but at least I know why I'm stressed. Have you noticed if it's tied to anything specific or just happens no matter what?