Conquering Anxiety and Panic Attacks

What Are Mantras and Why Are They Used? Mantras are sounds that a person makes during meditation. Many people know the most common sound, "Om," which is used in a lot of the media depictions of meditation. The original purpose of mantras was to get the individual in touch with various spiritual vibrations. Many people have lost the spiritual component of these mantras, but continue to use mantras, affirmations, and counting exercise to get some of the same benefits. These ben...efits include: Mental Distraction The key benefit beyond the spiritual component is the mental distraction. Mantras force your mind to think about something else to think about the mantra which reduces the amount of mental energy you can use on the issues that are upsetting you. Sensory Use Mantras also stimulate the senses, which is also an effective way to distract from anxiety. Much like the mental distraction of making the mantra, noise stimulates the brain using auditory and possibly even tactile ways (if you feel it in your throat), which has a calming effect. Calming Activity The sounds themselves may also be calming. Repeating positive phrases, for example, allows you to be listening to something positive rather than something negative. Mantras may also be relaxing noises. Other activities, like counting backwards or repeating positive phrases, may add to this experience. Even without a spiritual component, making mantras and noises adds to the relaxation experience. (From: http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/treatment/relaxation)

Steps To Take During a Panic Attack: 1) Ask yourself if you are in a safe environment 2) Tell yourself there is nothing an no one nearby that will harm you. Repeat this for a few minutes. ... 3) Quietly under your breath, say aloud. "I am safe. I will be okay." 4) Either stretch your neck muscles with shoulder rolls or massage your shoulders with your fingers. Better yet have someone else give you a shoulder massage if possible. 5) Close your eyes, take slow breaths and visualize yourself on a warm beach with the sun on your face and waves gently rolling by. Continue these steps until you are calm