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How to Handle a Panic Attack...Yoga Style!

5/10/2013

4 Comments

 
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Panic attacks suck.  That's the only way I can describe them.  And I've definitely had my share of them.  I used to have one almost every other day at the peak of my anxiety.  

Let's break down these TIPS on how to handle a panic attack in yoga terms, shall we?

1- Practice TAPAS (self discipline). Panic attacks are mentally draining and physically stressful on our bodies, but they cannot hurt us.  When panic attacks happen, we often spend time trying to 'fight' against it or push it away.  Once an attack happens, the best thing to do is ride it out.  Just sit with it.  It's not easy, but there's no sense in fighting it.  Our bodies are already in 'fight' mode.  You know what anxiety is, you know it's causing this attack, so sit and move through it. Be present with what is happening.  Tapas teaches us that sometimes "burning" through something is the only way to get through it.

 2- ASANA. Do some yoga.  Move your body.  Stretch, vinyasa a bit or do some restorative yoga. Stay present with what you're doing and how you're moving your body.  Become aware in subtle shifts in energy and return your focus to your breath.  Legs Up the Wall and Forward Bend are great places to start!


3- Remember SATYA (truthfulness). You know what anxiety is.  You are, on some level, probably aware that what you are experiencing is indeed a panic attack and not an actual heart attack or stroke.  You know it will pass. You know what is happening to your body and you know you will live through it. So literally talk yourself through it.  Keep focusing on these TRUTHS.  If you can, let someone close to you know what is going on.  Shine light on what is happening to you.  The more light you cast on anxiety from speaking the truth about it, the less darkness it can bring to your life. You have the knowledge to talk yourself off the edge.  Or at the very least, talk yourself through the symptoms you experience from a panic attack. 

4- PRANAYAMA (breath work).  Breathe it out!  Deep belly breaths, alternate nostril breathing, equal breathing...  All of these are yogic breathing practices that help alleviate anxiety and either stop, or significantly shorten, a panic attack.  

5- Let go with ISHVARA PRANIDHANA (surrender).  Have trust that you can heal from this. Anxiety can make us feel helpless and unable to see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Stay dedicated to your journey and trust in the universe.  Have faith in your practice and strength.  Believe in yourself.  And lastly, surrender your struggles.  


xo b 

4 Comments
Springdale Clinic link
8/23/2013 06:53:42 pm

Yoga is highly beneficial and effective not only treating the panic attack it can reduce the many things and make your body fit. Child pose, forward bend pose and corpse pose are highly beneficial in reducing the panic attack.

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PHILIP link
8/16/2014 09:15:04 pm

Hi, Thank you for the advice. I agree through movement and concentration on said movement along with breathing exercises will redirect your thoughts and result favorably on Anxiety.

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rochelle
1/21/2015 04:50:10 am

Thanks that helped me alot

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Harmful effect of stress link
6/27/2015 06:03:33 am

Stress can also lead to heart ailments. Yoga is widely practiced, great for your health and the basic poses are easy to learn. Thanks for the great post.

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    I'm a formerly anxious chick that found my zen on the mat. I used yoga, pranayama and yogic philosophies to alleviate my debilitating anxiety and get my life back on track. Now, I spend my time teaching yoga, coaching others and helping people find a more peaceful path in life. 

    * The opinions expressed on this blog are solely my own and what personally worked for me. Always consult a physician before starting any new yoga or workout routine. 

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