Have you ever had an anxiety attack?
Ever feel like your chest is being crushed? Like you can’t breathe? The symptoms are different for everyone. And, I’ve recently discovered that after managing anxiety attacks for years, they can suddenly present in a completely different way, catching you off guard.
Awareness is key. The good news is, once you realize you’re having an anxiety attack, you CAN manage it!
Today, I am going to share with you my top 3 tools that have helped me cope with anxiety attacks for the last 13+ years. It works best when I do these 3 things together.
First, shock yourself. Splash cold water on your face. Put your hands and wrists under cold running water. The extreme change in temperature to these sensitive parts of your body will shock your system and most often will be the catalyst to stop the attack.
Once I was a passenger in a car during a rain storm. I was trying to deal with the attack and had no means to running or cold water. So, I rolled down the window and put my hand out into the cold air and rain. It didn’t stop the attack but it did help a lot.
Second is redirection. Do something you enjoy. It could be watching TV or a movie; reading a book; or listening to music. The key here is to do something to get your mind off of the panic attack and onto something that will interest you. Obviously, if you’re not a reader, picking up a book to read is not going to be the most effective choice. Most people enjoy at least one of the items I listed above. I’m fortunate to enjoy all of them!
The reason I take pleasure in TV, movies, books and music is because they are a means to transport me from my current situation to a virtual reality. During some of the most difficult times in my life I would lose myself in a good book. It allowed me to escape from my painful reality.
Finally, use scent. For me, I use essential oils. I carry a roll-on with me so when ever I have an attack I can roll it on my temples and my wrists. I did this when I was in the car, in the situation that I mentioned above. Then I continued to inhale the smell of the oils by bringing my wrist up to my nose and breathing in deeply. I don’t understand why scent is such a strong sense, but it really is.
I am allergic to most perfumes, so that is one reason I carry my doTERRA Essential Oil roll on with me. If you can wear perfume or cologne then you can carry that with you.
Although, I do suggest essential oils, if you can, because of the health benefits. The oils get absorbed into your skin within seconds and can help calm you quite quickly.
When I do all 3 of these things together, I can work my way through most anxiety attacks.
Unfortunately, there is no magic answer, and as far as I know, there is no “cure” for anxiety attacks. Hopefully, by sharing my top 3 tools for dealing with anxiety, it will help you or someone you love in working through your own panic attacks.
It would mean a lot to me if you would comment below. Feel free to share your tools and techniques for managing anxiety attacks.
Until next time… Cheers!
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