Welcome to a journey beyond the ‘what ifs’ and into the realm of the ‘what nows.’
The ‘what ifs’ often keep you hostage, preventing you from embracing the joy, connections, and momentum of the present. Whether it’s your relationships, creative endeavours, or daily life, these fears often turn out to be the puppeteers orchestrating the very outcomes you hope to dodge.
The catch? Trying not to worry is like holding a beach ball underwater – it just bounces back stronger. But fear not; here are some intriguing alternatives for conquering your fear of the future and rediscovering the bliss of the ‘what now.
Find Your Perfect Present-Moment Anchor
In the whirlwind of thoughts and worries, find your anchor in the simple sensations of the present. Like a sturdy anchor keeps a boat steady on the water, these mindful experiences will ground your mind in the here and now.
Whether it’s the cool sip of water, the rhythmic dance of your breath, or the harmonious melodies around you, these anchors keep your thoughts grounded in the here and now.
Explore the calm waters of the present moment and set sail towards peace and serenity.
Ready, Set, Intend!
A single intention a day can transform your day into an adventure!
Your intention could be as straightforward as ‘I intend to savor my coffee’ or ‘I intend to make someone smile.’ By zeroing in on this intention, you’ll find yourself surfing the waves of the present, embracing the here and now with open arms.
So, scribble down today’s intention, and let the journey to mindful living commence!
Master the Art of Mantras
Spice up your mindfulness toolkit with a little mantra to keep you steady during chaos.
Here’s a personal favorite to get you started- ‘All I have to deal with is right now.’ This mantra will swoop in to save the day when you feel overwhelmed. So, get chanting and embrace the power of now!
Embrace the Worry Hour
Worry isn’t all bad; it’s like your brain’s personal planner!
But to keep those fretful thoughts from stealing the spotlight, designate a worry window where you give your concerns the entire stage, and you can reclaim your life’s spotlight for the rest of the day.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a short but intense feeling that overwhelms you with anxiety or dread. Symptoms that accompany the attack include blurred vision, shortness of breath, and/or dizziness. You may experience the urge to flee. You may even feel like you are dying or incredibly ill. The symptoms may mimic medical problems such as a heart attack or a stroke.
Where Do Panic Attacks Occur?
They can happen almost anywhere. For some people, a crowded place triggers the reaction. For others, driving on the freeway may trigger an attack. Exercising may be one person’s trigger and social situations may be another’s. Yet, as varied as these sources may be, CBT offers a time-limited, highly effective approach to breaking the grip of panic over your life no matter what triggers your attacks.
What About Panic Disorder?
That first panic attack often leads to a heightened sensitivity to triggers. The fear of another episode may lead to more panic attacks. A serious and distressing condition, panic disorder may grip the sufferer. The 2.7% of Americans who develop panic disorder live life in a cycle of avoiding any situation that might lead to an attack. This leads to a life where activities are severely restricted. Self-worth spirals downward. The space that feels safe constricts.
How Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help?
Seeing a CBT-trained therapist after an initial panic attack can be extremely helpful. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works by helping you identify the situations and bodily sensations surrounding your panic attacks. Your therapist helps you cut through the fog you feel as one of these attacks starts to sweep over you. The therapist helps demystify what is happening. CBT helps even those with entrenched panic disorder regain a normal life. A skilled CBT therapist will coach you through a series of exercises that actually help you understand and develop tolerance to the sensations that have been leading to your panic attacks. Your therapist will help you map a plan that claims a renewed life—enabling you to re-enter situations that you have been avoiding.
Have You Been Experiencing Panic Attacks?
Stop panic from robbing you of your life! Contact us to schedule a personal assessment. Call us (650) 461-9026 or Text us (650) 461-9026 today to get started and request a free phone consultation, or book an appointment online – Video Teletherapy available!