Originally Posted by Auror. (Post 3910003)

Breathing exercises, calming music, simple things like word problems, crossword puzzles, coloring, telling yourself that it's okay and that you are okay and in a safe place (supposedly never found that one useful but everyone's different), writing, petting or snuggling with an animal, etc.

It's kind of different for everyone so a lot of it can be trial and error. Has anything worked for you in the past? Do you have a therapist or any kind of support you could speak with?

Originally Posted by bizibumblebee (Post 3911205)

Sometimes I find that when my anxiety starts picking up I will do something, anything to be physical. The flight or flight response is anxiety and so maybe running would help or something like that. I will sometimes rearrange furniture to just wear myself out so that my body isn't in a continual state of arousal.

Originally Posted by Snow White. (Post 3913312)

Deep breathing works well for me, slow and deep into your stomach. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for two and then out for four. Make sure you're breathing deep, so hold your hand on your tummy and it should rise. Put one on your chest - it shouldn't move as much.

(Scroll down to Belly Breathing Exercises, there's a video to help too http://www.anxietycoach.com/breathingexercise.html)

Originally Posted by SoftAsThunder (Post 3916271)

7-5-7.

Breathe in for seven seconds. Hold your breath for five seconds. Breathe out for seven seconds. Do this repeatedly, until you feel calmer.

It only takes me five to ten breaths before I feel a little better. Usually I yawn. Get real tired, too.

For some people, 4-7-8 works better, but I don't feel like four seconds of breathing in is enough. The point is to slow down your breathing. I feel like the counting helps occupy your thoughts, too.