4 Ways to Manage a Panic Attack

Like many others during this time, I've been feeling more anxious than usual. Lately, I've been experiencing a handful of panic attacks close in duration. The old me would have easily gotten sucked in to these anxious traps. Now, with all of my tools and hard work, I am able to not let the panic attacks phase me.

Below are my four go-to coping techniques for when I feel a panic attack coming on. 

 1. Acknowledge the anxiety but don't negatively react - "I allow myself to have this anxious feeling. I allow myself to have this anxious thought. Although it's uncomfortable, it's just adrenaline and it will pass.

2 - Stabilize my breath with square breathing. Breathe in deep for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and repeat. 

3 - Get up and get moving. Do jumping-jacks or briskly walk around. 

4 - Engage in another activity. Stop what I was doing and pick up something else to focus on. (IE a game, a puzzle, cooking, cleaning something etc.)