Controlling Panic Attacks

Controlling panic attacks is extremely hard since they can occur at any time of the day and even in sleep. Among the common treatments such as therapy and medication, there are not so common methods that include; hypnotherapy, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy, herbal remedies and self help techniques such as NLP and EFT. These are not necessarily cures for panic attacks but they can certainly help.

Panic attacks occur because of psychological triggers and behaviors, so it’s important to realize this when finding a treatment. Simply dealing with the symptoms of anxiety is not enough to be rid of it. Moreover, changes in habits and lifestyle should be made for long term maintenance.

Since stress is one of the biggest causes of elevated anxiety which can start attacks, relaxation exercises such as meditation can be useful cures for panic attacks. Daily practice of meditation and deep breathing can dramatically relieve bottled up tension and stress.

As stress hormones and excess adrenaline build up inside of us in the day, we begin to experience symptoms. Headaches, nausea, chest pains, rapid short breath; these are obvious signs of stress that most of us continually ignore. Like a wound up spring we feel charged up inside ready to explode. Relaxation can help expel these nasty chemicals in the body and calm us.

People, who practice meditation daily, remark on how much better they feel emotionally and physically. They are able to control their emotions much more easily and are able to handle stressful situations more effectively. Even just spending a few minutes breathing deeply is relaxing.

As well as meditation, physical exercise is effective at burning up adrenaline and stress hormones. Cardiovascular exercise such as running, cycling and swimming is great for keeping fit and keeping the body healthy. After and during exercise, natural opiates are released into the body, making you feel relaxed for hours afterwards.

Another essential basic need for the body is sleep. Sleep is important for energy, and it’s in sleep that the body does most of the healing and recovering. A poor night sleep affects mood and physical health negatively. To help you get a good night sleep, practice progressive relaxation when in bed.

Working from your feet upwards, breathe in while tensing each muscle and relax on each out breath until you’ve reached your head. Also, follow good sleep hygiene such as avoiding caffeine and over-stimulation of the mind close before bedtime. Good sleep habits can help in reducing and controlling panic attacks at night.

It’s important to remember that panic attacks are merely sensations and that you can’t die from having an attack. They are terribly frightening but they can be overcome. Next time you have an attack, think about how you’re breathing. Don’t think about trying to stop the sensations, rather focus on relaxing your body and breathing in deeply and slowly.