Take a deep breath

I’m sure that at some point in the midst of a crisis you’ve heard someone say, “let’s calm down and take a deep breath.” This is not only a good way to smooth out a tense moment, but it’s also good health advice.

As I mentioned earlier in today’s e-Alert, it’s difficult enough to live with everyday stress without the additional stress that comes from world situations that are far beyond our control.

Obviously, one of the most formidable of those situations right now is the threat of terrorist attack and the possibility of panic, which is terrorism’s weapon. But panic can often be controlled. If it’s not, it becomes self-fulfilling, compounding itself and spreading – not unlike a disease.

Hyperventilation is the most common physical response to panic. During normal breathing, the carbon dioxide content of the blood rises and falls naturally. When we’re unusually fearful or anxious, our breathing can become shallow and rapid, causing carbon dioxide levels to fluctuate outside the normal range. If this goes on long enough, nerve cells begin to malfunction. The resulting symptoms include dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors, and lightheadedness. Sometimes these symptoms increase fear and anxiety, and can lead to a full-fledged panic attack.

The key to controlling hyperventilation at the outset is breathing. Start with deep breaths, filling the lungs, followed by slow exhalation. A calm rhythm of inhaling and exhaling, with a deliberate focus on air moving in and out of the lungs, should bring natural breathing back into line within a few minutes.

A single, brief episode of hyperventilation is not necessarily cause for concern. But if further episodes occur – especially if they lead to more serious panic attacks – a doctor or healthcare professional should be consulted.

In the days and weeks to come, we need to be more aware than ever of the importance of keeping a cool head and avoiding panic by making sure that the proper amount of oxygen is moving through our lungs. Let’s take a deep breath.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

Sources:
“Hyperventilation and Panic Attacks” ks.essortment.com
“Breath is Life” Linda Gamlin, Positive Health, positivehealth.com