Coping With Panic Attacks

Posted by nabeelshaukat on September 23rd, 2010

While being treated, you can also help yourself break the chain reactions that lead to  panic attacks. Here are some tips for coping with panic attacks and anxiety:

• Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs and caffeine as they can trigger a panic attack or worsen its symptoms.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as guided visualization, yoga, breathing exercises and meditation.
• Make sure to get enough sleep so you don't feel drowsy during the day.
• As they say, you are what you eat. What you consume today has an effect on your level of anxiety the next day, so concentrate on foods that are alkaline in nature. Fruits, vegetables and juices are alkaline and they preserve and build an inner calm. Proteins? grains, nuts? sugar, salt, alcohol and all dairy products, except yoghurt, are acidic. An 80% alkaline diet is ideal for maintaining optimal balance, but our diet is usually more acidic? leading to lowered resistance to stress and other health problems. If your insides are too acidic? any anxiety you may be going through gets aggravated. So, try to maintain an internal balance by keeping your body?s pH level within acceptable parameters.
• Water is great for reducing general anxiety, so up your intake of water to at least 8 glasses a day. When you?re dehydrated? your body reacts in various ways. Anxiety is one of them.
• It?s very difficult to maintain a sense of calm and equilibrium if your body is  deficient in vital minerals. Minerals act as a buffer by alkalizing the acidity in the internal environment. Low mineral levels can lead to acidic pH level. In case you don?t eat enough fruits and vegetables through your diet? make sure to take some mineral supplements to alleviate anxiety and stress. B complex? flax seed oil? raw adrenal concentrate are some supplements you might like to consider. 
• Aerobic exercises have a positive effect on your mind and mood.
• Try to distract your mind from anything that creates anxiety. Focus on other things, instead of the symptoms you?re experiencing.
• Join a support group or forum for people who suffer from panic attacks in order to share suggestions and challenging situations.
• Replace negative thoughts with constructive, positive thoughts. Learn to break the anxiety spiral with one anxious thought leading to another, until they build up into a full blown panic attack. Nip anxious thoughts in the bud by not giving them any attention. Visualization can help with this process.