Get Panicked?

Image by Hayden & Steve

When you encounter a problem do you panic? I used to deal with problems by getting panicked. I would get so worked up and run around like a crazy lady. I would make choices without thinking and end up making the situation worse.

I always thought getting stressed and freaking out was how I was supposed to handle problems. I would make choices from survival mode and desperation when I was panicked. However, most often the situation did not call for desperate choices there were other valuable options.

The truth was there was also a part of me that got a little high from the excitement of being stressed and panicked. Ultimately I saw that being panicked was ineffective and I become committed to changing my reaction.

I started to practice centering myself and living a more balanced life. I found that I could handle problems in a much more effective way. Learning to remain calm during a problem and breakdown lead me to greater success. My thinking and reactions were always more productive.

I always write this tip in my articles but I cannot stress how helpful and powerful it has been in my life and the lives of my clients. When you are faced with a problem or breakdown remind yourself you can handle the situation. Say to yourself “I can handle this”.

Focused breathing is also so important during stressed times. What I do when I start feeling panicked is check in with my body. When I am feeling stressed my shoulders get tight and my teeth get tight they may even grind. So I focus on relaxing those areas by breathing into them.

If you sense your body is going into panic mode focus on your breathing. Take a couple of deep breathes and go to the tightest area in your body and relax it. Just focusing on your breathing will empower you to make effective choices.

Dealing with a situation calmly and effectively is confidence. It doesn’t mean you have all the answers or you are passive. It means you are aware that there is an issue and that you have the internal resources to figure out the solution.

Next time you are faced with a breakdown attempt to remain calm. Start by telling yourself “I can handle this situation” and then take deep breathes. If you need to make a choice choose the option that is for the best good of the situation not based from your fears. Ask yourself what choice would I make if I was not scared or fearful?

Just to prove to yourself the negative effect of being panicked the next time problem arises let yourself get panicked. Assess the results you produce. How did your reaction impact others and yourself? You will see being panicked did not serve you in anyway.

You will discover how much more peaceful and harmonious your life will be when you release the panic reaction. You will see how effective you can be no matter what you are faced with.

Your assignment for this week:

1. Think of a recent time when you were panicked. What impact did being panicked have on the situation, you, and the others around you?

2. Did you choice the best course of action?

3. When a problem arises try remaining calm and using breathing as a way to relax you during the breakdown.

4. Make choices that are not based on your fears or survival but from what is the best option for the situation.

5. Journal about how the experience went. What impact did you have on the situation, yourself, and others?