Think Happy!

I’ve know it’s been an absolute age since I last posted, but Christmas and family sickness had other plans. Nevertheless, let’s get back into it with a look at a topic that seems to be on the increase everywhere you look: Anxiety.

Anxiety Attacks

Having experienced my own fair number of ‘anxiety attacks’, I’m hoping to post a fair ideas and tips for dealing with them. For now, to ease myself back into the blogging habit, I’ll simply repeat the good advice found here.

Dealing with anxiety disorders should be done with the aid of a medical professional. But panic attacks call for an immediate personal response and therefore some preparation on your part.

* Make a list of the things that you’re afraid could happen. Then write out calming statements that tell you the opposite of your fears, reassurances you can repeat to yourself when panic starts coming on. Also have a list of calming things you can do, such as breathing deeply and slowly, focusing on forcing the air out of your lungs, making deep breaths come naturally.

* Lie down with your butt against a wall. Breathing in, press one foot into the wall and breathe out as you release it. For 10 - 15 minutes alternate feet. If there is no place to lie down, press your feet, one at a time, into the ground to feel connected and “rooted.”

* Bach’s Rescue Remedy (Flower Remedy) can take the edge off a crisis or panic attack. Take a few drops under your tongue or drink a glass of water with a few drops in it.

* Breathe into a brown paper bag. If you have lavender essence oil, put a drop in it for added calming. Lavender oil has a calming, soothing effect, as do helichrysum, frankincense, and majoram oils. Keep a prepared mixture in a dark glass bottle for when you need it.

* Remain focused in “the now” by using all of your senses to take full notice of what you see, hear, feel, and smell. Panic is generally associated with remembering upsetting events from the past or anticipating something upsetting in the future. Holding a pet can also help.

(Source: How to Get Rid of Anxiety)

I’m sure that all sounds remarkably simple - and if you’ve found yourself trapped in the terror on a panic attack, it no doubt sounds overly simplistic and unrealistic. But, trust me, these are valuable first steps.

The key to dealing with panic attacks is challenging your thoughts and calming your physical sensations. The earlier you can do this, the better. And the simple steps above are a great start.