Gail Johnson, LMSW, ACSW
It’s the physical symptoms that overwhelm us…
And the physical skills that may help contain it:
First try a little experiment, right where you are. Take in a very gentle breath through your nose (just as you would for yoga) and sending it to the lower lobes of your lungs, under your diaphragm. (You remember your music teacher telling you to breathe from your diaphragm in grade school, right?) Hold that breath a few seconds, and now, narrowing your mouth to the shape of a straw, gently let that breath out through your mouth verrrrrrrrry slowly. Ahh! You have just begun to gain control over your anxiety.
Over the course of several sessions, you can learn many more skills to manage the “hijacking” and regain control. These are concrete skills, tailored to bring down anxiety and panic to a manageable level. Let’s work together to put worry and anxiety in their place.
Relaxation Techniques Testimonial:
“You asked me …if I would write up something reflective of how this exercise has impacted my life. Blood pressure at this week’s appointment was 104/70. Used to be 145/84. Stopped taking sleep aids for the first time in 12 years (haven’t taken any sine November of 2011). My glaucoma pressures have dropped to within normal range (at last appointment). I can focus and read with greater comprehension, speed, and retention of information. I am articulating more clearly than I have in years. I feel happy, relaxed and my anxiety levels have greatly diminished. My ADD symptoms have dissipated significantly. I have been practicing (Progressive Relaxation) approximately four to five times a week since 2009.”
It’s the physical symptoms that overwhelm us…
- Adrenaline pumping
- Fast breathing
- Heart racing
- Stomach churning
- Vision narrowing
- Muscles tightening
- Palms sweating
- Dizziness
And the physical skills that may help contain it:
First try a little experiment, right where you are. Take in a very gentle breath through your nose (just as you would for yoga) and sending it to the lower lobes of your lungs, under your diaphragm. (You remember your music teacher telling you to breathe from your diaphragm in grade school, right?) Hold that breath a few seconds, and now, narrowing your mouth to the shape of a straw, gently let that breath out through your mouth verrrrrrrrry slowly. Ahh! You have just begun to gain control over your anxiety.
Over the course of several sessions, you can learn many more skills to manage the “hijacking” and regain control. These are concrete skills, tailored to bring down anxiety and panic to a manageable level. Let’s work together to put worry and anxiety in their place.
Relaxation Techniques Testimonial:
“You asked me …if I would write up something reflective of how this exercise has impacted my life. Blood pressure at this week’s appointment was 104/70. Used to be 145/84. Stopped taking sleep aids for the first time in 12 years (haven’t taken any sine November of 2011). My glaucoma pressures have dropped to within normal range (at last appointment). I can focus and read with greater comprehension, speed, and retention of information. I am articulating more clearly than I have in years. I feel happy, relaxed and my anxiety levels have greatly diminished. My ADD symptoms have dissipated significantly. I have been practicing (Progressive Relaxation) approximately four to five times a week since 2009.”
RSS Feed