7 things to do to stop an oncoming panic/anxiety attack

I've been doing a lot of work on my anxiety and can sometimes tell ahead of time that I'm heading towards an anxiety attack. These are some of the things I remember to try sometimes. They don't always work, but that's okay. All of it is okay, anxiety and all.

1. Listen to your favorite music

Headphones work best to get that music to be the main focus. If it's music you really like you will likely automatically start dancing and or singing along. Refocus at its finest.

2. Pet a cat or a dog

Or any other fuzzy animal. Being able to focus on something outside of yourself that brings you joy is helpful.

3. Water the plants

Helps you focus on the needs of another being. Connects you with nature

4. Read a novel

Get absorbed in someone else's life for awhile. 

5. Write in your journal

Depending on what stage of an attack you are and what prompted it this might not work. But it's worth a shot. Get that stuff out of your head and onto the paper.

6. Go outside and sit with nature

No phone. Notice what you see outside of yourself. Is the wind blowing? What do those clouds look like? Do you see any flowers? What color are the leaves of the plants? What shapes do you see? 

7. Exercise until you are tired

Use up that excess energy. Something active or difficult works best. Running. Boxing. Weight lifting (heaviest you can lift or lift to fatigue.) Or if you're out just do as many push-ups, dips, pull-ups etc that you can.