The levels of stress have seen a record-breaking high during the pandemic. Because of this, more and more people are experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.
Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear, panic, or anxiety. They are overwhelming, and they have physical as well as emotional symptoms.
Many people with panic attacks may have difficulty breathing, sweat profusely, tremble, and feel their hearts pounding.
Anxiety can stem from several risk factors:
During such stressful moments, you might start to believe there’s not much you can do about those emotions.
But that’s not actually the case. In fact, practicing self-soothing activities can help you climb out of that dark well and work toward feeling better.
With patience, perseverance, and consistency, your panic attacks can be managed. Remember, you are most likely much braver than you think you are.
Most of us are familiar with soothing others when they are upset or afraid, especially if we have children. But it's also important to learn how to soothe ourselves when we are experiencing anxiety or stress.
All people need soothing after a shock or following trauma or upset. Common self-soothing behaviors include reaching for an alcoholic drink or a tub of ice cream.
However, these kinds of self-soothing behaviors can cause additional problems.
Here are a few healthy self-soothing tips you can do during an anxiety attack or when you are going through tough times:
SELF-SOOTHING TIPS DURING STRESS OR ANXIETY
- Do deep breathing
- Recognize your feelings
- Challenge your thoughts
- Listen to Music
- Change your focus
- Change the environment
- Move and stretch
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Practice self-compassion
While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to self-soothing and dealing with anxiety, it's important to find what works for you.
