So many people are living with panic attacks. Anxiety is sneaky. Not only does it occupy your mind with future disasters and past missteps, but it also creates anxiety about anxiety. “I’m feeling pretty good right now, but anxiety could be lurking around the next corner.” You don’t have live like this. Not even if you have been affected by anxiety for a long time.
Anxiety is a habit. Your nervous system gets used to the hormones of stress and your body starts to crave them. If your body doesn’t get them, it will start to remind you of all the terrible things that did, or could happen, just to get another dose of stress hormones.
Like any habit, you can retrain yourself. It just takes a bit of effort and a clear plan. Here are the steps:
- Map the triggers. Do some sleuthing. What opens the door to anxiety? Are there particular situations, places, people or events that allow anxiety easy access?
- Practice an alternative. Nature abhors a vacuum. What will take the place of anxiety? Is it self-confidence, peace, joy? Develop the story of the alternative. How will you think, feel and act when you are not overcome by anxiety?
- Emotional Freedom Technique. Tapping is a simple technique that allows you to calm your nervous system so you can allow in new information. You activate acupressure points by applying light pressure and speaking your intentions.