Learn how to deal with anxiety by following these simple practical tips. You will be amazed at how much your symptoms subside.
During a panic attack, there are some things you should avoid doing because they can exacerbate the symptoms. Calling a friend is a good idea but don't discuss the panic attack, as this will only place your focus on your anxiety. Do not look in a mirror. You may increase the severity of your symptoms if you see the fear reflected on your face. Try not to sit down. This restricts breathing and does nothing to occupy your mind. Try walking around or even doing light exercises.
To help you with overcoming anxiety it's important to work on your breathing technique. Grab a paper bag or cup your hands and then breathe slowly in and out while covering your mouth. This will help you relax and your panic attack should pass and end very quickly.
Consider imagining yourself as a boxer when you have a panic attack. Create a monster in front of you that is made up of all your bad feelings and stress. Now, beat the heck out of him. Knock off his arms, legs, eyes, antennae, and every part of his body until he's nothing but a lump of goo on the ground.
Remind yourself during a panic attack that there is nothing wrong with you, your nervous system is just sensitive and reacting to some sort of stimulus. This is only temporary and it will pass, and that you'll survive it and have absolutely no residual problems from the way it affects your body.
One thing that may help you feel a little better about your anxiety and panic attack is to understand that everyone at one point in their life will experience some sort of panic attack. Whether it be a mild or chronic attack, everyone will experience the fear and panic that is anxiety.
No matter how much a panic attack makes you want to run and hide, DON'T. Stand up to your fear and stay right where you are. Once you realize that every time you don't run nothing happens your brain will start to figure out that the fear thing isn't working, and it won't be able to take you over anymore.
One way to beat a panic attack is to visualize yourself being outside your body watching what's happening. Imagine watching as your body stops wheezing, or begins to calm down. This can help your body to literally react to what you see in your mind's eye, bringing the attack to an end.
Pick up a self-help book on panic attacks. Remember to read each word as you come to it, focus on understanding each sentence, and then each paragraph. Go back over the words until you really feel confident that you know what the author is saying.
Give yourself permission to have a panic attack when you're in the middle of one. Don't beat yourself up or make yourself more upset just because of the way you're feeling right now! Let it be OK and know that you'll make it through unscathed just as you always have before.
A great way to deal with panic attacks is to talk to a counselor. They are there to help you. Knowing that someone is there to help you can have immense effects on your mood and decrease your occurrences of panic attacks.
