How Do You Calm Your Mind During an Anxiety Attack?

[Ellijah]

When anxiety hits, it can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. What are some techniques or strategies that help you stay grounded during an anxiety attack? Do breathing exercises, mindfulness, or certain distractions work best for you? Let’s share and support each other.

 

[groundshakerleads]

When anxiety hits, it can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. What are some techniques or strategies that help you stay grounded during an anxiety attack? Do breathing exercises, mindfulness, or certain distractions work best for you? Let’s share and support each other.

I cannot say that I have anxiety attacks to the point that I feel like I am going to pass out but I do feel overwhelmed at times and my chest feels real tight. I have recognized lately since going through some serious financial stress that I almost feel frozen and don't know what to do except to pray. So my answer is I pray. I mentally recount all of the promises in bible that come to my mind and I try to close my eyes and just breath deep inward through my nose for 5-7 seconds, hold for 4 seconds then I exhale for 5-7 seconds until I am completely empty then I hold for 4 seconds. This forces me to slow down. I also play instrumental soft calming music to slow my heart rate down.

 

[dmpro1]

When anxiety hits, it can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. What are some techniques or strategies that help you stay grounded during an anxiety attack? Do breathing exercises, mindfulness, or certain distractions work best for you? Let’s share and support each other.

Anxiety can feel so consuming in the moment, but finding small ways to ground yourself can make all the difference. For me, focusing on my senses—like holding something textured, listening to calming sounds, or even sucking on an ice cube—helps bring me back to the present. Slow, deep breathing (like box breathing) also works wonders when everything feels out of control.


Sometimes, distractions like doodling, naming things I see around me, or even repeating a comforting phrase can help shift my focus. Everyone’s different, though—what works best for you? Let’s lift each other up and share what helps!