Hi all -
on the first disc, Lucinda mentions that when we're having an anxious episode (or in my case, a full blown panic attack) that many of us tend to overbreathe.
However, I noticed a few days ago that when I'm having a panic attack (had one in traffic) that I tend to hold my breath - and that it makes me dizzy.
Also, when I *do* start breathing again, I noticed I breathe WAY too deep and from the chest.
Does anyone else do this, and how in the world do they change it during the panic?
(I should note that when I do the deep breathing from the stomach, it makes me dizzy as heck. Anyone else get that too? I figure it's from the oxygen!)
Breathing
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Guest
Imbrium -
I also notice that I often hold my breath during panic. And when I am breathing during panic, I tend not to exhale all the way. My doctor has told me that not fully exhaling can cause a build up of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can add to the feelings of dizziness.
As for learning to breath during panic, that's a tough one. The first task is to master you're breathing during your relaxation exercises. I understand that breathing from your abdomen is uncomfortable for you. My recommendation is to keep trying and it will start to feel more natural. Also, don't feel obligated to follow the pattern that Lucinda uses exactly. Your breaths may be at a slightly slower or faster pace than the one presented in the relaxation CD. In my case, I'm a runner so my lung capacity is larger than average. It takes me twice as long to go through a breath cycle than what is recommended in the program. Experiment for yourself and find what works for you. The important part is to breath from your abdomen and keep your breathing slow and calm.
As for transferring this to a panic situation, I've been experimenting with breathing in a "controlled panic." What I mean by this is that I put myself into a situation that I know will cause mild to moderate anxiety (not panic) and practice my breathing. I'm now starting to learn how to breath comfortably while in an uncomfortable situation. Just like the rest of the program, it's taking a lot of time and effort, but it's starting to work.
Be well,
Jamie
I also notice that I often hold my breath during panic. And when I am breathing during panic, I tend not to exhale all the way. My doctor has told me that not fully exhaling can cause a build up of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can add to the feelings of dizziness.
As for learning to breath during panic, that's a tough one. The first task is to master you're breathing during your relaxation exercises. I understand that breathing from your abdomen is uncomfortable for you. My recommendation is to keep trying and it will start to feel more natural. Also, don't feel obligated to follow the pattern that Lucinda uses exactly. Your breaths may be at a slightly slower or faster pace than the one presented in the relaxation CD. In my case, I'm a runner so my lung capacity is larger than average. It takes me twice as long to go through a breath cycle than what is recommended in the program. Experiment for yourself and find what works for you. The important part is to breath from your abdomen and keep your breathing slow and calm.
As for transferring this to a panic situation, I've been experimenting with breathing in a "controlled panic." What I mean by this is that I put myself into a situation that I know will cause mild to moderate anxiety (not panic) and practice my breathing. I'm now starting to learn how to breath comfortably while in an uncomfortable situation. Just like the rest of the program, it's taking a lot of time and effort, but it's starting to work.
Be well,
Jamie
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Guest
jamie -
Thanks a million for posting your reply...it really makes a lot of sense.
The only reservation I have is that this program has worked for tens of thousands of people, and I'm assuming (*never assume!*) that they did the breating exactly as Lucinda directed them.
BUT - your suggestion seems spot-on...the breathing she directs on the cd (2 counts in, 5 counts out) really makes me uncomfortable. There *could* be differences in the way we all breathe...and body certainly comes into play here, too (I'm also an exerciser).
Does anyone else modify their breathing to fit particular needs, or do they do it the exact way Lucinda directs?
Thanks a million for posting your reply...it really makes a lot of sense.
The only reservation I have is that this program has worked for tens of thousands of people, and I'm assuming (*never assume!*) that they did the breating exactly as Lucinda directed them.
BUT - your suggestion seems spot-on...the breathing she directs on the cd (2 counts in, 5 counts out) really makes me uncomfortable. There *could* be differences in the way we all breathe...and body certainly comes into play here, too (I'm also an exerciser).
Does anyone else modify their breathing to fit particular needs, or do they do it the exact way Lucinda directs?