I’ve had them enough to know that it’s not a heart attack, air is indeed getting into my lungs and I’m not going to die — but the first few anxiety attacks were terrifying. 

This morning instead of just trying to go about my regular activities and ignoring the vice-grip on my heart, shortness of breath, shaking hands and racing brain, I sat cross legged in the middle of my bed and gave my anxiety attack my undivided attention (hello old friend!). 

Deep breaths and stretching only helped so much, I needed to gain control over my own automatic thoughts that seemed to want to take me back to events of yesterday (why did I have the ice cream AND donuts yesterday?, you didn’t do the dishes AGAIN, you slept in late AGAIN…stupid stupid stupid…). 

As my breathing and stretching began to slowly calm down my body I was finally able to bring my mind into the present moment and let go of the thoughts that would still have me in full blown panic attack. 

I don’t think this anxiety attack passed any faster than usual, but I do feel a tad more calm after its passing, kind of like the sun coming out after a storm rather it being followed by grey skies and light rain.