Panic attacks may be misunderstood by someone who has never experienced it! For the person under attack, however, the feeling can be overwhelming. Understandably, it would be ideal to lessen, if not avoid, another attack! You are not alone. Others have felt the same way! Following are some ways to make it easier to cope with:

Exercising on a regular basis can help you to control the amount of panic attacks you have. Panic attacks often come from a build up of stress. Exercise has proven to be a great stress reliever and can help to cut back on the number of panic attacks you have.

When you’re having a panic attack you should try to play the opposites game. If you feel like running, stand still. If you feel like crying, start to laugh, Continue to do the opposite of the actions you feel you should be doing and your body will start to relax and get over the attack.

To distract yourself from the panicky feelings that occur during an attack, try progressive relaxation. Tense and release each muscle group from your toes to your head, and try to focus on the sensations in your muscles. This prevents you from clenching your muscles and gives you something relaxing to do as you wait for the panicky sensation to subside.

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.

When you begin to feel an attack coming on, you should try to dis-empower the attack. Tell yourself over and over that your attacks have never caused any harm to you and panic attacks have never hurt any one else. Tell yourself that it does not mean anything at all.

Many people who suffer from panic attacks or panic disorder are finding relief through cognitive-behavioral therapy. In fact, studies show that as many as 80% of patients receive substantial relief from their symptoms as a result of the strategies they learn through this technique. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you understand the cause of your attacks and teaches you ways to alter or eliminate the negative behaviors and thought processes that lead to attacks.

Steep yourself in silence when you have a panic attack. Listen to the sounds around you and try to concentrate on each one individually. Figure out what it might be, and how it works to make that sound. Consider the silence as a gift and let it embrace your body.

A great way to help take control back from your panic attacks is to compliment yourself and others around you. You are not what your thoughts and feelings are telling you, so do not judge yourself by them. Think about what you truly are and do the opposite of what your panic is telling you about yourself.

Picture the feelings you will be experiencing after the attack, the lack of anxiety, and the return to normal feelings. Imagine yourself on the other side and how these feelings affect your well-being. Focusing your thoughts this way can relieve anxious feelings and prevent an attack or allow a current attack to subside more quickly.

If you are able, try to take a walk when you feel a panic attack coming on. This helps you to burn off the excess adrenaline your body produces when you panic, and it can remove you from the situation that brought on the attack in the first place.

If you are a frequent user of alcohol, think about how many times you have had a panic attack while using alcohol. Even if you have never had an attack while intoxicated, alcohol is a depressant and has lasting effects even when not intoxicated. Remove the alcohol from your life to reduce the frequency of attacks.

Get moving! The best time to exercise is during a panic attack as you have lots of adrenaline in your body and it needs to be absorbed back into the body. Go for a walk or jog, jump in the pool, do some work around the house, or turn on your motion-sensing video game system and play!

Dehydration is a key component to panic attacks, so make sure to drink lots of water every day, all day. During a panic attack your muscles will require more oxygen as a result of the flight or fight response your body is experiencing, so drink even more water (H2O – the “O” is for oxygen!) to keep your muscles fed.

Hopefully, the following article has given you some suggestions to help you cope easier with panic attacks! Don’t underestimate your attacks. Although, some who have never experienced one may not understand, you are not alone! The feeling can be overwhelming! Apply the information that fits your circumstances. Find out what triggers it! Fight back! Don’t let it control your life! Perhaps, you can lessen or avoid another attack. Wouldn’t that be good?

Things You Can Do About Your Panic Attacks was originally published on Spring