High Anxiety 2024

Anxiety, chronic anxiety, is a killer. It’s hard on the mind. It’s hard on the body. Seeking the cause(s) has been a priority for the last few days. The anxiety in question is not new. It has been chronicled in Notes, which is a good reason for the existence of Notes.

The close proximity of death has been previously assigned the cause of anxiety. However, upon closer scrutiny, there is “more than meets the eye.” The inevitable decline into geriatric decrepitude is equally a cause and a major stressor. The myriad decrepit senior citizens on display at the “old folks home” in Waikiki mirrors the not-so-distant future. Oh, the horror!

Endlessly dealing with incredibly stupid, ignorant, narcissistic, and inconsiderate morons is another cause and stressor. The sad fact is that the majority of the population is now in the latter group, and it is growing. Aside from the exhaustive accounts of stupidity chronicled in Notes, the morons continue to “push the envelope.” For example, the sheer number of fucktards who use the speakerphone function or play loud music on their “smartphones” in public is mind boggling. The shitty little speakers in the devices, with the shrill and squeaky sound, grates on the nerves.

Then, there are all of the imbeciles still wearing face masks full-time. The ridiculous face mask mandate was rescinded one year and ten months ago. Not only do the fools look idiotic, they also have a spooky aura. Aren’t they fully “vaccinated” and “boostered”?

And, of course, the malignant and democidal activities of the “garden variety” Fascists is causing extreme duress. So much so that the daily reading of the news on the approved Web site list has been reduced to skimming. There’s no doubt that more focused attention will generate extreme rage with no feasible outlet. Even discussion in Notes has been limited.

There are many other tedious issues contributing to anxiety, including widespread incompetence, rampant “shrinkflation,” “things fall apart,” brain dead tourists, etc. The increasing balance of the investment accounts coupled with the stubborn miserly ways are also major stressors. 

The health metrics generated on the Watch Series 9 are being reviewed daily on the iPhone Health “app.” One correction is in order … the Sleep “app” is actually able to determine if the subject is in the supine position motionless with insomnia. HRV has improved. All other indicators appear to be normal.

There has been no attempt to indulge in “mindfulness” so far. A few of the related “apps” have been perused. Subscription versions are immediately rejected. The underlying premise of mindfulness seems to be meditation, a seemingly “New Age” concept. Well, that’s probably better than a prescribed psychotropic medication (i.e., anxiolytic). Sheesh!

Addendum: The chronic anxiety is suppressed adequately only during the cardio part of the workout at the gym on the elliptical machine and the cooldown on the recumbent bicycle.

Miscellany: No comment on the Tucker Carlson interview with Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin since it wasn’t even viewed personally. Nothing new anyway. Vladimir Putin has been publicly discussing those matters and more for over a decade.