How to calm down

Anxiety affects millions of us around the world, from small children to adults. Anxiety can manifest itself from a rapidly beating heart and sweaty palms to a full blown panic attack. Here are some ways to calm yourself down or "self sooth".

Things You'll Need

• Yourself, a quiet place, and inner focus

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Instructions

• 1

  If you can, step away from the situation that is provoking the anxiety.

• 2

  Once away, sit or lie down, whatever feels most comfortable to you.

• 3

  Take a deep breath, feeling your chest fill with air, as full of as air as you can take, counting to three.

• 4

  take your inner focus to your breath, hold your breath for two beats at the top.

• 5

  slowly let your breath out for a count of 3. Really empty your chest of breath. Hold for 2 beats at the bottom.

• 6

  Focus all your attention on the movements and breath in your body. Imagine you are breathing in white light and exhaling dark smoke.