Rob Mason - Blog - Panic Stations Part Two

Last week I wrote about the nature of panic attacks. Check out Panic Stations – Part One

As promised, I now want to reveal some of the ways I have learnt to manage anxiety and panic attacks. During my first counselling session in early 2007, I learnt my first breathing exercise and how effective breathing can help reduce stress in my life.

There are many people who regularly think about their breathing:

  • Elite athletes
  • SAS and Navy Seals
  • Buddhist monks
  • Sufferers of anxiety and panic attacks

So, what’s the big deal about breathing? Below are just some of the benefits of deep breathing:

  • Slows down your heart rate
  • Lowers your blood pressure
  • Improves your concentration
  • Reduces your stress before an exam, public speaking or sleep
  • Reduces the impact of a panic attack

 

BREATHERCISE

 

3:3:3

This is the breathing exercise I first learnt from my Counsellor. This exercise is ideal if you have never performed a breathing exercise before.

  1. Breathe in for the count of 3
  2. Hold your breath for the count of 3
  3. Exhale for the count of 

Repeat this breathing exercise for 3 minutes, twice a day

 

4:2:6

  1. Breathe in for the count of 4
  2. Hold your breath for the count of 2
  3. Exhale for the count of 

Repeat this breathing exercise for 6 minutes, twice a day

 

BREATHING TIPS

To ensure you get the most out of the breathing exercises, think through the following tips.

  • Breathe slowly through your nose
  • Breathe slowly through your diaphragm or belly
  • Visualise a peaceful scene while breathing
  • Focus on gratitude while breathing
  • Mediate and repeat life-giving phrases while you breathe

 

Examples:

God is my strength

Fear not; God is with me

Be still and know God

He restores my soul

 

Over the past ten years, a daily routine of deep breathing exercises has significantly improved my wellbeing and reduced the impact of panic attacks.

The bottom line: how you breathe influences how you feel.

However deep breathing isn’t the silver bullet in managing anxiety. Stay tuned for further approaches to improve your emotional wellbeing over the next few weeks.

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