Stress and anxiety can be caused by all sorts of internal and external factors from something as serious as a family bereavement to something as trivial as a change in the weather. Although there are many sufferers, a lot of people don't know how to deal with anxiety and stress.
A certain amount of stress is normal in day to day life and to a minor degree can spur us on to greater efforts in what we're trying to do. However, too much stress can result in anxiety and panic attacks which may not be recognised for what they are.
If you can't think straight and have problems with your memory, you may be suffering from stress, but if you add to this a pounding heart and heightened respiratory rate, shaking hands and hot or cold sweats, you may well be suffering from a full blown anxiety attack. Left untreated, this can lead to medical complications or another underlying condition going undiagnosed.
However, once the doctor has ruled out any other medical condition, he may prescribe medication such as tranquilisers or sleeping tablets. If you aren't keen on taking medicines here are some ideas as to how to deal with anxiety and stress without medication.
Take exercise: The healing power of exercise should not be underestimated. Apart from the obvious health benefits in terms of weight control and cardio vascular improvement, exercise releases endorphins in the brain which result in a feeling of well being. Just taking a walk outside in the sunshine or even in the rain can make you feel brighter and livelier.
Talk to someone: Share your troubles with a friend or counsellor. You know what they say: "a problem shared is a problem halved".
Don't try to be perfect: Everyone makes mistakes at work and at home. If you can't fit in as many tasks as you'd like to, say so; nobody with thing any the worse of you. If you make a mistake, own up, correct it and move on.
Take time off: Make sure that you have a lunch break. Take time off to play with the kids at the weekend, go to the beach or for a picnic or to the movies. Stay at home and watch TV but above all, relax!
In addition, the following may offer panic attack relief:
Reduce your intake of stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, non-prescription drugs and tobacco. Try warm milky drinks or herbal teas for relaxation.
Yoga is though to help with panic attack relief as is meditation, both of which help to focus the mind thereby reducing the frequency of attacks.
If your panic attack is already under way and you are hyperventilating, try breathing into a paper bag which again acts to concentrate the mind. This is not recommended in cases of hyperventilation brought on by an asthma attack or MI.
Ella McGinley has many more tips for panic attack relief on her website, Ending Anxiety Attacks.
A certain amount of stress is normal in day to day life and to a minor degree can spur us on to greater efforts in what we're trying to do. However, too much stress can result in anxiety and panic attacks which may not be recognised for what they are.
If you can't think straight and have problems with your memory, you may be suffering from stress, but if you add to this a pounding heart and heightened respiratory rate, shaking hands and hot or cold sweats, you may well be suffering from a full blown anxiety attack. Left untreated, this can lead to medical complications or another underlying condition going undiagnosed.
However, once the doctor has ruled out any other medical condition, he may prescribe medication such as tranquilisers or sleeping tablets. If you aren't keen on taking medicines here are some ideas as to how to deal with anxiety and stress without medication.
Take exercise: The healing power of exercise should not be underestimated. Apart from the obvious health benefits in terms of weight control and cardio vascular improvement, exercise releases endorphins in the brain which result in a feeling of well being. Just taking a walk outside in the sunshine or even in the rain can make you feel brighter and livelier.
Talk to someone: Share your troubles with a friend or counsellor. You know what they say: "a problem shared is a problem halved".
Don't try to be perfect: Everyone makes mistakes at work and at home. If you can't fit in as many tasks as you'd like to, say so; nobody with thing any the worse of you. If you make a mistake, own up, correct it and move on.
Take time off: Make sure that you have a lunch break. Take time off to play with the kids at the weekend, go to the beach or for a picnic or to the movies. Stay at home and watch TV but above all, relax!
In addition, the following may offer panic attack relief:
Reduce your intake of stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, non-prescription drugs and tobacco. Try warm milky drinks or herbal teas for relaxation.
Yoga is though to help with panic attack relief as is meditation, both of which help to focus the mind thereby reducing the frequency of attacks.
If your panic attack is already under way and you are hyperventilating, try breathing into a paper bag which again acts to concentrate the mind. This is not recommended in cases of hyperventilation brought on by an asthma attack or MI.
Ella McGinley has many more tips for panic attack relief on her website, Ending Anxiety Attacks.
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