How to Treat Mild Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety is a feeling of anxiousness or uneasiness and typically comes on when there's a difficult or dangerous situation present. You may experience anxiety attacks before a presentation, interview or surgery. Anxiety can give you physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort and frequent perspiration. In many cases, you can treat mild anxiety attacks alone or with help from a counselor.

Tips

1. Identify any changes in your life that may be the cause of your anxiety. A heavy workload, conflict with a co-worker or family member, an upcoming exam or presentation can cause mild anxiety attacks. A wedding, vacation or new baby can also cause these symptoms. Even if you're anticipating change, good change can also be the onset of anxiety.

2. Relax throughout the day. Take 10-minute breaks every couple of hours to relieve tension.

3. Exercise for at least 20 minutes every day. Exercise releases endorphins in the body that help to reduce stress. Most people who exercise feel better physically and mentally.

4. Talk to a friend, counselor or support group about your feelings. Sometimes just knowing that you're not alone is enough to reduce the anxiety attacks.

5. Breathe through your stomach when you feel discomfort from the anxiety attacks.
Shallow breaths can just make you feel more anxious; concentrate and put one hand on your stomach to feel the air push your stomach outward. As you breathe, think of the word "calm."

6. Resolve your problem or conflict. If possible, remedy the problem situation sooner rather than later.