5 Places That Make Me Want to Pee

I was so happy when I made this discovery: One sign of fear or stress is the uncontrollable urge to go pee.

That explains a lot.

Seriously, my whole life, whenever I’ve been in a stressful situation or time…I’ve gotta go. Like NOW. It’s inconvenient. Sometimes, it’s downright embarrassing.

During my childhood, I answered the stress siren’s call everywhere from my front yard to behind a bank.

This article from the Calm Clinic explains it well:

There are several beliefs for what causes frequent urination from anxiety, and the likelihood is that all of these factors play a role:

• Muscle Tension – This is one of the most likely causes. When you have anxiety, your muscles get very tense. This tension puts pressure on your bladder, which in turn makes you feel like you need to pee more than you would otherwise.
• Evolutionary Adaptation – Another theory is that there is an evolutionary reason that frequent urination would be advantageous. Remember, anxiety is the misfiring of your healthy fight/flight system. In times of fear, urination may keep the body lighter by losing extra weight, making it easier to flee.
• Light Overload – It’s also possible that, because anxiety is a misfiring of the fight/flight system, your body may simply be lightly overloaded. The fear is not intense enough to cause immediate urination, but it may make it harder for you to feel like you can hold it back.

Finally, anxiety can also change your body chemistry, altering your digestion and changing the way you process nutrients. That may cause more water to pass through your body.

Holy cowbell! I had no idea.

All I know is that these 5 places always make me want to pee. The only difference is these days, I know to hit the loo beforehand:

The Ocean

I grew up on the West Coast, so I can only figure in this case it’s the sound. Although I did notice the urge got stronger after the movie Jaws came out…

College Libraries

This one didn’t happen until college, so I’m singling those particular libraries out. Every single time I’d walk into the campus library at the University of Missouri (and eventually EVERY college library) I’d have to race for the restroom. Trust me, this is turbo-embarrassing when you’re on a study date.

Counselor’s Office

Counseling was a constant in my life for many years and no sooner would I touch that front door than I’d be bolting for the bathroom.

Church

Me and the Lord have an understanding: I’m delighted to hang out with him as long as I get in a potty break first. Ever since Babykins got potty trained, I’ve been noticing she’s got the same deal. Coincidence? I think not.

Rollercoasters

I’ve learned to “go” before I go on, so I’m not waddling off the ride. I’m afraid of heights, but I love rollercoasters.

Now it’s your turn to “fess up.” What bizarre physical reaction do you get when you’re stressed? What’s the strangest place you’ve ever peed? Which places stress YOU out? Enquiring minds always want to know these things here at More Cowbell!

~Jenny