How to Stop Anxiety in its Tracks

If you suffer from extreme anxiety, you are probably looking for a way to stop it in its tracks. This is understandable because anxiety and failure go hand-in-hand. Individuals who succumb to anxiety are often prisoners to their own body and unable to lead fulfilled lives. However, there is good news. Several breathing techniques exist to help you relax. Here’s one you can use that effectively fights against anxiety.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Patience
• Time
• A Quiet Place

The Breathing Technique

1. Find a quiet place to sit or lay down. You want to be alone in order to be distraction-free. It’s important to be present and in the moment.
2. Close your eyes and conjure up a peaceful image. This image should be something that is non-threatening like a flower or a puppy. Keep it in your head throughout the rest of this exercise.
3. Breath in deeply from your diaphragm. Do it by breathing air through your nose and releasing it through your mouth. Repeat this process at least seven times until you feel your body relax.

How to Use It to Stop Anxiety

4. Think about your peaceful image as soon as you start to feel anxious. Because your mind associates it with a feeling of calm, your body will instantly start to relax.
5. Take deep breaths using your diaphragm. Repeat this process at least 5 times. Your stomach should be rising and lowering in conjunction with your breathing. Watch as your body relaxes even more.
6. Think about your peaceful image again. This step is the final one in stopping your anxiety. As you focus on the image, your body should relax further until you feel peaceful.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice the breathing technique on a regular basis until you get it down pat.The more you practice it, the easier it will be to recall it in the future.
• If your anxiety is so extreme that it causes panic attacks, you will want to couple this breathing technique with medication from your doctor.