You know the feeling. Your palms sweat and you can’t breathe. Your heart is racing and you can’t seem to calm down.
You are having a panic attack.
You may find that mediation will help calm you without medication.
What Is Meditation?
In simple terms, meditation is taking time to calm your mind and your body.
It can be a spiritual exercise but doesn’t have to be religious.
The secret is using your mind to teach your body how to relax.
What Are Benefits of Meditation for Panic Attacks?
Meditation helps you settle things in your mind and allows you to make peace with thoughts that disturb you.
Meditation results in what is called a “relaxation response” and that is the opposite of a stress response, according to scientific studies.
Those who suffer from chronic stress responses feel the results of that in a rapid heart rate, sweating, and trouble breathing.
Moving to a relaxation response will stop that.
In essence, meditation provides an escape for those who suffer from panic attacks.
It allows the person who feels trapped in their head to get out.
How to Start Meditation
Meditation is pretty simple to start but may take some time to fully develop.
To begin, find a quiet spot that is preferably dimly lit or darkened. Sit in a comfortable position in a chair, on the floor, or the couch.
Put your feet flat on the floor and close your eyes. Focus on your breath moving in and out of your body.
Clear everything else from your mind.
You may want to speak a mantra to help you relax. Plan to spend 10 to 15 minutes doing this.
You may not feel completely relaxed the first time you do it and may find your mind is distracted and racing.
The important thing is not to give up.
Try it at the same time every day until you can achieve time with a clear, focused mind.
