om spirit
A
nxiety is a silent disorder that fully encompasses
your whole existence. It gradually sends tremors
through your body like waves of sickness. You can
feel the distinct sensation when it begins: the rushing
along your limbs, the sweaty palms, the shaking, the
whiteness appearing in front of your eyes...How you’re feeling at the
time may determine how long your ordeal will last for: moments,
seconds, minutes, sometimes more.
It is one of the most common symptoms of stress and millions of
men and woman worldwide suffer with it each year. Yet it is still seen
as a weakness, or even that someone is mentally unwell. Combatting
the problem alone isn’t easy but I’ve found that with good support
and the right tools you can make a substantial difference if not a
complete eradication.Recognise the signs
Recognising the warning signs of a panic attack or anxiety is
paramount. Knowledge is power and lack of knowledge creates fear,
which in turn ramps up the attack.
What are your symptoms? Start every day or activity with a ‘five
point check’. Ask yourself these questions: Are you breathing? Can
you move your arms, legs, hands and feet? Can you speak, blink,
hear, smell and taste? How many hours sleep last night? Describe in
one word how you feel?
Get the basics out of the way first, and then you’ll feel more
confident to start to reason with the panic attack or anxiety.Holistic and alternative therapy solutions for managing panic attacks and anxiety,
by Victoria McDermott
There is an
alternative to
anxiety
Breathing is a direct deterrent: by focusing your mind on the breath
alone will calm your bodily systems. The ‘4-7-8’ breath can be very
effective during a panic attack because your brain has more than
one thing to think about, so it needs to concentrate.
Walk away from the feeling, stamp it out; staying stationary in
the moment will allow the panic attack or anxiety to intensify but by
physically turning your back and walking away it will mentally create
a new space.Meditation:
Meditate, tune in and tune out, 5-10 minutes is all it takes. Have a
go-to piece of relaxing music or a guided meditation. These things
have been scientifically proven to reduce our stress levels and
create feelings of wellbeing and relaxation. If there’s a local weekly
meditation group near you, give it a go. Connecting the mind and
body can make a big difference.Tapping:
Tapping is another idea. While tapping, choose a word that is simple
and resonates with you during this moment (for example, ‘calm’).
Start to use tapping techniques (using two fingers) on the top of
your head, the crown chakra. Then repeat the word while tapping
and stay in each area for 10 taps, from the crown, move to the
forehead, temples, above the top lip, collar bone, then the ulna
(forearm) and outside of the hand. If, after the first round, you’re still
not calm, repeat it again.