Panic / anxiety can be described with many negative words: scary, intimidating, frightening, disappointing, shameful, painful, tiring... Simple put, they have a huge impact on us. A large portion of that impact is caused by the idea that the anxiety has control over us.
Does this sound familiar:
"Oh no, I might be getting a panic attack... I hope it won't be a bad one. I hope my hands won't start shaking... oh, they do already. I'll be fine as long as I don't get dizzy.. I'm feeling dizzy, what now?? I bet my heart will start racing again - and it does!"
We expect unpleasant things to happen, and get more anxious when they happen. That's a bit silly, really, since we KNEW it was going to happen and still got more afraid. Let's change that.
Gamify your panic attack.
A roller coaster is exciting for the few first times, but soon you learn every loop, tilt and drop, and it gets boring. Same can be done for anxiety attacks.
When you feel a panic attack coming:
1) Sit back and let it happen. The game is starting! Grab a pen and paper if you want to count your points.
2) Guess what will happen next. What do you feel first, and what comes next?
3) Give yourself points when you get it right. Did your hands start shaking like you expected? Point! Did your left leg start to tingle before your right one did? Point!
This exercise puts you in charge. You are calling the shots. You expected it, you know what'll happen, blah blah been there done that.
And if you're feeling particularly much like lieutenant Dan from Forrest Gump... challenge your anxiety to try something new. "Yes I know all this, try something new. An itchy ear maybe? A green toe? Come on, anxiety, you can do better!"
No comments:
Post a Comment