I have suffered from panic attacks for years, today Im doing much better. Thats all thanks to coping skills that I have learned and also some issues that I have addressed as well as many other secrets that I have learned. Some of those secrets are not widely known but I learned them from a program called The Anxiety Lie.

Here, I want to show you an excercise which really helps during panic attacks. Its very effective because it deescalates you by using your body's natural ability to release the tension in the upper chest. This is done through the use of oxygen with this type of breathing.

When I first began to use this method I felt embarassed to do it in public because I thought people would stare at me. To effectively use this method you must fill your diaphragm with air and it makes your belly appear bigger. Eventually I learned to do it and not care what people might think, because its really not disruptive. First you put one hand with your palm down on your stomach and the other palm over your chest. Next you take a deep breath breath through the nostrils for 6 seconds - the trick is to fill your belly in the first 3 seconds, then your chest in the last 3 seconds. When you exhale through your mouth-use the 6 second rule again and release the air first from your upper chest in the first 3 seconds, and then the air from your belly in the next 3 seconds.

You will want to continue this for at least a minute, but you can repeat for however long you need in order to deescalate. When I am alone, I envision with the exhalation that I am releasing all negative thoughts and inhaling good energy. I like to close my eyes as well and use guided meditation cds but thats what works for me.

Another fantastic way to relieve the anxiety using this method is to lay on your bed or on a soft couch. Find a phone book or some other book that has some weight to it and lay it on your stomach, which makes you inhale much deeper. I have been using this technique and it works every time. Give it a try and comment on this, I'll be excited to hear how it works for you. Also be sure to read about the The Panic Lie, Ive used this program and its excellent. Its not an instant cure program, and it requires work and commitment to change.

You can also read more on my blog