Which techniques do you prefer to use when feeling extremely anxious?

[starry_night]

When I'm feeling particularly anxious and panicky, practicing deep breathing really helps me out. What other techniques do people find useful? I would love to learn some more!

[Yankee_Doodle]

I clean the house like a mad woman! I find that the distraction of occupying myself with something unrelated really helps. By the time I finish, I've had time to rationally face the situation and I feel fantastic looking at how nice the house looks! Works for me!

[greengrape]

If it's fine weather I will do some gardening, it's one of my hobbies and nothing relaxes me more! Like Yankee_Doodle I'll also do some cleaning or clear out a cupboard if I'm feeling tense. For something a bit more exciting I'll put my headphones on and listen to some good music. If all that fails I'll have a good cry!

[EsMummy]

I try and breathe and distract myself the best i can. Either by doing an activity like colouring or painting with my daughter or sorting her toys or something that requires most of my attention.

[Hidden]

I also try to distract myself with something that requires all my attention, like doing a quiz or a crossword. Clearing out clutter and getting myself organised helps too, as others have said.

[paula50]

I feel anxious in the morning when i get up why doe it affect me so much at this time ,i dont want to get out of bed but i do but sit and shake for while ,how can i stop this ..

[Mandy26 in reply to paula50]

Hi Paula,

I have a really similar situation. I suffer from anxiety mostly last thing at night and first thing in the morning. I try and do something to take my mind off it rather than sitting thinking about it. I give myself around 15 minutes to maybe sit and read a magazine or book or I just jump out of bed and try to get on with my day and breathe deeply as I know deep down I'm fit and healthy and the horrible feeling will go away. I think the worst thing to do is sit and think about it as you will be feeding the anxiety. It's such a hard thing to do but try and overcome the negative feelings by giving all your attention to something else, something positive. xx

[Chloe123]

I try to listen to music when I get anxious or nervous...It's a good distraction and learning how to think positively can help too, but that's easier said than done sometimes.

[Pickle165]

have you tried rescue remedy? i get mine from a website called ainsworth, they sell herbal remedies. x

[Mandy26]

I also practice deep breathing. I find it really helps. I also read really boring news stories on my phone. I focus so much on trying to understand the article that I calm down.

[kwadi]

When anxiety it is bad I put my hands on my knees and I become aware of them touching my knees. I feel both hands at the same time and the longer I can do it the better it works. It clears my mind from racing thoughts and it becomes quiet.

[Joaner]

I play my cello, I find a fiddly or a new piece of music and play til my arms ache. Or I get outside, walk the dogs or faff in the garden

[foxyearthangel]

hi, my pschiatric nurse has told me to put relaxation music downloaded from the internet to my mp3 player and especailly the ones were theres talking thereapy and listen to them the mp3 is also great to take along with you werever you feel panicky ie, supermarket you can listen to it as you are going along xxx

[SASSYIAM]

I FIND YOGA REALLY USEFUL.AND WATCHING A FUNNY DVD FILM OR PROGRAMME.I HAVE A STASH OF FAMILIAR ONES LIKE ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE,DINNERLADIES,AS TIME GOES BY.ALSO IF I EVER GET TIME I FIND LISTENING TO MUSIC VERY THERAPEUTIC.HARD ROCK IF I AM ANGRY.OPERA HELPS SOMETIMES TOO AND OLLY MURS IS GREAT ALONG WITH ROBBIE I IMAGINE I AM IN THEIR COMPANY AND WE ARE DANCING TOGETHER.CANT DANCE REALLY BUT IN MY IMAGINATION I CAN CLIMB ANY MOUNTAIN.XXX

[nickimonae]

I like to take hot showers wen i start to feel like that

[alfie19]

Write in a daily journal notebook what ever is troubling you this will help you to offload and have a better nights sleep. Believe me it works especially when there is no one to talk to.

Taking deep breaths many times throughout the day and meditating and talking.

Read the Book "The Road Less Travelled" by M. Scott Peck

(ISBN: 8601404277887) from Amazon's Book Store.