Preventing Panic Attacks: Why Downtime Is Necessary for Mental Health by Erica Hornthal

In this day and age it seems we are always busy – over-scheduled, over-worked and over-committed. It is vitally important to create time to unwind and be with your thoughts. That may sound impossible or even scary, but it is one of the most common reasons that my clients experience panic attacks. Our bodies and minds are constantly taking in information and taking on stress. You might not even be aware that you have stress or anxiety because of the constant on-the-go feeling. We exhaust ourselves only to wake up and do it all again. 

Do you get sick the moment you are on vacation? Do you get an overwhelming feeling if you have nothing to do? If we do not provide space and time to explore and release this tension, then it often comes out without warning like a champagne cork popping. If the thought of downtime is scary, here are some ideas you can try. The whole family can try this together. 

• Pay attention to your breath.

• Make quiet time a priority.

• Journal your thoughts to get them out and moving.

If you suffer from panic attacks and anxiety, there is help. You are not alone and you have the power to make positive changes.

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