If you suffer from anxiety then you will be familiar with the types of situation that will most likely bring on an attack.
On the other hand, you will also know that anxiety can strike for no apparent reason and without warning.
This can be compounded if you happen to be in a social situation at the time.
There is the added fear of losing control in front of a group of people and the embarrassment and feelings of shame that come with it.
Strangely enough, I used to work in sales, which can be a very stressful job indeed but it was in a sales training session that I learned of a little trick that really did have a calming effect.
The training was all about how to cope at your best under pressure.
This trick doesn't work as well if your are in the middle of a full blown panic attack but if you do it when you feel one coming on then it will help.
The first thing to do is to think of the happiest times of your life whatever they may be.
It could be the birth of a child, a sporting achievement or whatever made you feel good in the past.
The next thing to do is to cross your fingers just before you think about these times and practice this at home.
Within a short space of time you will notice that as soon as you cross your fingers your mind will be filled with your happiest memories and thoughts.
You need to do this as soon as you feel the first signs of anxiety, stress or panic coming on.
Its effectiveness will probably vary from person to person but it certainly took the edge off for me.
On the other hand, you will also know that anxiety can strike for no apparent reason and without warning.
This can be compounded if you happen to be in a social situation at the time.
There is the added fear of losing control in front of a group of people and the embarrassment and feelings of shame that come with it.
Strangely enough, I used to work in sales, which can be a very stressful job indeed but it was in a sales training session that I learned of a little trick that really did have a calming effect.
The training was all about how to cope at your best under pressure.
This trick doesn't work as well if your are in the middle of a full blown panic attack but if you do it when you feel one coming on then it will help.
The first thing to do is to think of the happiest times of your life whatever they may be.
It could be the birth of a child, a sporting achievement or whatever made you feel good in the past.
The next thing to do is to cross your fingers just before you think about these times and practice this at home.
Within a short space of time you will notice that as soon as you cross your fingers your mind will be filled with your happiest memories and thoughts.
You need to do this as soon as you feel the first signs of anxiety, stress or panic coming on.
Its effectiveness will probably vary from person to person but it certainly took the edge off for me.