Tips on Preventing Anxiety Attacks

Panic attacks happen to one out of three people, according to the Health Career Center. A panic attack can occur out of the blue to people of any age, health or sex. While a panic attack is not lethal, the condition is characterized by an increased heartbeat, pain in the chest, feeling of faintness, sweating and numbness. People suffering from a panic attack often have a feeling of doom and are afraid they are dying. However, there are ways to prevent anxiety attacks and feel more positive.

Lessen Stress

• Without a doubt, a stressful situation raises the odds tremendously for an anxiety attack. Stress can be caused by a variety of reasons: work, home life or rush-hour traffic. Lessen whatever is creating the stress. Sometimes it is possible to walk away from the stressful situation and return with a clear head. At work, take regular breaks, one in the morning and one for lunch. Whenever possible, get rid of the stressor altogether.

Exercise

• Not only is physical exercise advantageous for physical well-being, it also promotes good mental health. Exercise is an important way to lower and abolish anxiety attacks. Studies have proved that exercise releases endorphins in the brain and provides your mind with an increase of serotonin, lowering stress and anxiety. Try to exercise every day. By kicking your day off with physical activity, it can help improve your outlook for the rest of the day.

Watch Your Diet

• Diet plays an important role in preventing anxiety attacks. Keep yourself hydrated. If you are not hydrated enough, your body can go into panic mode. Be sure to drink eight glasses of water a day. If you have too much acid in your body, conditions increase for anxiety attacks. Certain foods such as processed foods, sugar and dairy products are high in acid and promote anxiety. Try to lower your intake or eliminate such foods from your diet. Eat fruits and vegetables such as oranges, apples and broccoli. Too much caffeine also promotes anxiety. Limit intake of caffeine beverages such as tea, soda and coffee. Avoid starving yourself or overeating. Both put a strain on the mind and body. Make sure to discuss any radical change to your diet with your physician.

Relaxation Techniques

• There are a variety of relaxation techniques that can be employed to help reduce anxiety attacks. Meditation is used as a calming method. Meditation can involve focusing on just a single thought, or freeing oneself of all thoughts. Try getting a body massage that uses essential herbal oils. These oils promote a calming effect on the brain and elicit relaxation in the brain and body. Deep breathing is a softer type of meditation. By breathing deeply, oxygen inundates your body and promotes a gentle feeling. Listening to music is a cost-effective and immediate way to bring about relaxation. Music provides a strong therapeutic stimulus to the mind.

Assert Yourself

• People who suffer from anxiety attacks often have a low opinion of themselves. A bad self-image is characterized by feelings of guilt, irrelevance and loneliness. By becoming more assertive, a person can diminish anxiety attacks.