In case of panic attack. One of the most effective methods used is deep breathing. The following exercise will physically and mentally calm you down and lower your heart rate. Start out by breathing through your nose for a slow 3 count. Then hold your breath for a slow 3 count. And then exhale for a slow 3 count through your mouth like how you would exhale when you blow hot soup to cool it. You can do this as long as you want. It really helps. 2 The next thing you can do is something called stop and replace. The purpose of this is to stop the anxious thought and replace it with a more calming thought. EX: I am anxious about going in front of the class to present my project (so I keep thinking about it and it just makes me more anxious). STOP!! that thought and replace it with a thought such as thinking of something exciting you are going to do this weekend like go on a family trip, and just really lose yourself in the thought and take your mind away from the current anxious thought. 3 As a panic attack often fuels itself by unintentionally focusing on the cause of panic, it can help to divert your attention by focusing on something else, such as doing mental puzzles: word games, numerical problems or noting the features of different objects within sight. Try counting backwards from 100 by 3s, or saying the alphabet backwards, etc. Its even better if you can fully avoid focusing, do not focus on not focusing. (practicing meditation helps learning how to do this). 4 If possible, have someone you know/trust talk to you and comfort you. Ask him/her to massage your palm while talking to you. 5 Tense the various muscles in your body for a few seconds and then release, allowing yourself to relax. 6 If you are able to stand, get up and walk around slowly, while slowly deep breathing (change of focus). 7 Do not lock your jaws together; this will make the nausea in your panic attack twice as bad. People are often tempted to do this, but it does not make it any better. Relaxing your face will help. 8 If at all possible, physically do something like cleaning up. Your body has produced a lot of adrenaline, its keyed for fight or flight. Sitting or standing still causes toxins to build up in your muscles for later cramps and aches, while it also increases anxiety because youre forcing yourself to stand still. Cleaning or organizing something also gives a sense of control - you were able to control something. It also stimulates your left brain (logical side) so you can approach the situation rapidly. The more vigorous and organizational the activity, the better. Unless its immediately before a performance or something, this is a good time to organize your closet or sort everything on your workbench. This is especially good for killing time before a stressful emotional event like proposing to your significant other or facing an exam when its scheduled later. Edit Tips Experiment with different aspects of calming your anxiety. Breathe in for 2 seconds, and out for 4. If you are hyperventilating, use a paper bag or envelope, to breathe into. Within a few breaths, the CO2 levels are restored and the breathing restores to a slower pace. If you dont have a paper bag, HOLD your breath for short times. Note, in this case, do not take very deep breath, but hold your breath. Again, this can restore CO2 levels and the attack immediately subsides. Instead of telling yourself to stop being anxious, try telling yourself to be happy or calm. Listen to hard rock music or other music that forces yourself to listen. Keep headphones on, when you go out, or are in any situation which is likely to trigger an event. Anxiety/panic attack may have no link to a real immediate threat since most of the time it fuels itself, as if your mind was running in circles. One way to break the circle is to ask yourself (or the person suffering from the anxiety attack), How is panicking going to help you? Wait for a response like: Its not! So now lets try (tensing/relaxing, talk, massage hand (change of focus), paper bag, holding breath) this. Breathing 8 or fewer times per minute is less likely to trigger the fight or flight response, which is the source of adrenaline during a panic attack. Breathe in slowly for 4-5 seconds and exhale slowly for 4-5 seconds as best you can. If your panic attack is worse and youre already throwing up, take a hot bath with a t-shirt or towel over you. This makes you feel comforted. Relax and sit in there as long as you need. Dont rush around after you get out. Best advice is to sleep afterwards. Spray pure lavender oil mixed with water on a handkerchief. (Keep on hand In your pocket) The oils in the lavender help soothe and calm during an anxiety attack. Take a deep breath and realize what you are stressing about is not going to deeply affect your life.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 20:29:02 +0000
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