Into the third week of self quarantine here in Illinois (some states are a little behind but not by much) but feels much longer. For those that live alone it can be pretty lonely. One of my good friends that lives alone says that she tries to find activities to keep depression at bay. She isn’t the only one having some issues. There is a larger number of anxious and depressed people struggling through this lockdown. Here are a few ways to alleviate an anxiety attack:

1. Breathing Exercises

During an anxiety attack a person starts to hyperventilate (or take in rapid breaths cutting off the carbon dioxide levels in blood and causing light-headedness). Learning to count to five while inhaling and then counting to five exhaling. Doing this for about 3 to 5 minutes will allow the panic to dissipate and calm the entire body.

2. Relaxation Exercises

Meditation and Yoga are useful to control the nervous system while relaxation responses when panic attacks set in. Meditation does not have to be sitting cross legged on the ground. Sitting in an upright chair or laying on a couch is just fine. If you are a meditation expert; great! Not everyone understands meditation to that level. This is about relaxing the system and symptoms of a panic attack. Taking a walk outside in the fresh air and breathing deeply can be a meditation. Laying on a couch closing the eyes and listening to a YouTube guided meditation for anxiety and panic attacks while drifting off works fantastic! Highly recommended!

3. Guided Imagery Exercises

This is a way to visualize a place that brings instant calm and relaxation to a person. For example: close your eyes and picture a beach scene with the sun warming your face, listening to the waves roll onto the sand, some birds flying low over the water. You can hear a few speed boats and jet skis rushing across the waves. The sun feels so good that you start to drift off while breathing deeply that your whole system feels happy and calm.

4. Exercise

Well this would ALWAYS be on my list! Physical activity releases endorphins flooding the body and mind with feelings of calm and happiness. Gentle exercises such as a walk or riding a bike (if accessible) are fantastic. Even the CDC (Center for Disease Control) is recommending walking outside at this time. Great to pep you up while calming you down. Plus losing some pounds as a bonus!

5. Call a Friend or Family Member

You are loved and you aren’t bothering someone if you reach out to them! Do not be afraid or fear that they don’t care! We are ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! This is about your well-being just as much as the people that are fearing getting COVID-19!

The most important thing to remember is learning to dial down the helpless feeling when anxious. It doesn’t help to feel like there is no control over the mind when it is racing. There are therapists out there (I believe that they are Essential workers as well) that are on call. Reach out.