Faced with anxiety attacks, the sudden rush of intense fear might knock you off your feet. Luckily, stress and anxiety management expert, psychologist Bérénice Lefebvre, offers up her practical knowledge for taming these episodes. She unveiled three game-changing tips in a recent video on her Instagram (@berenicelefebvrepsy) so you can reclaim your calm during these storms of stress.
Quick Fixes for Soothing Anxiety Attacks
- Embrace the Feelings. In the face of anxiety attacks, our instinct may be to battle the burgeoning panic, yet Lefebvre counsels for a strategic pivot to acceptance. She suggests that embracing the uncomfortable sensations as distressing yet harmless can significantly abbreviate our anxious ordeals. Acknowledging and accepting these symptoms as transient can defuse their intensity and offer a quicker return to calm.
- Get Specific with Your Symptoms. As anxiety intensifies, it often brings a surge of destructive thoughts in its wake. Lefebvre advises replacing these panic-inducing exaggerations with factual observations, such as recognizing a racing heartbeat rather than spiraling into the “I’m dying” narrative. This intentional refocusing on concrete details can help to stem the anxious flood.
- Hold Your Ground. Where do anxiety attacks like to retreat? As far as our expert is concerned, they are beginning right where they left off. If you feel panic gripping you, you should plant your feet as soon as you can. Remaining in place can lessen anxiety and those doomsday scenarios. Lefebvre reassures us, these crises always fade, especially when you face them head-on at their roots.
By adopting Lefebvre’s strategies, you’ll be able to reduce anxiety attacks’ potency, and ultimately regain your sovereignty over stressful moments. Using these techniques will help you navigate your way back to composure with greater ease in the face of anxiety. In times of distress, remember and apply these three key pieces of advice to calmly guide yourself back to peace.
