The Sounds of Advice #26: Anxiety Attacks



Tips for helping with anxiety attacks:

Aisling: 1. Practice deep breathing 
2. Get up and move around or go for a walk
3. Talk to your significant other or a close friend or family member
4. Distract yourself with different things to do
5. Try to exercise daily

Sandy: I found breathing in deep and slowly letting it out helps me the best. If you can close your eyes and do it as well. It helps your body to relax. They are not something easy to handle, but once you figure out what works for you you will be in much better shape.

Kate: I've found that finding something to distract me tends to work the best. I'll message/text someone and ask them to ask me a question about anything at all. Focusing on that question distracts me from my anxiety and calms me down. If no one is around, I sit somewhere quiet and focus on my breathing and try to clear my mind. 

 I've also included a list from a website that has a lot of other tips: 

 Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

 Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.

 Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

 Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

 Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.

 Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

 Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.

 Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.
Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?

 Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.

 Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

 Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.

 Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.

 Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

 Get help online. Lantern offers online programs guided by professional coaches to help you turn healthy anxiety management into a habit. (Sponsored)
Listen to podcasts on a wide range of topics
Watch recorded webinars on topics ranging from how to worry less, coping with panic attacks, treatments for children, and helping suicidal families...and many more.

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