Today I want to talk about how to stop panic attacks; and specifically, how to deal with the mental “loops” that both cause and sustain panic attacks. Psychological research suggests that as much as 95% of human thought is repetitive in nature — in other words, it is loop-based.  This discovery has prompted some notable psychiatrists and cognitive researchers to suggest that what we used to call “hypnosis” or a “hypnotic state” is actually a natural phenomenon that occurs in every human being a regular basis. 

Hypnotic states are repetitive, loop based thinking processes. And as the new research demonstrates, we all experience these states to one degree or another on a daily basis.  For example, have you ever driven a car somewhere and once you arrived found that you could not really remember the trip or the details about what happened between home and your destination?  That’s because you were in a type of trance or hypnotic state while driving.  This is a perfect example of loop-based thinking, where the mind takes one idea — such as driving a car — and focuses on it repetitively.

So what does all this have to do with stopping panic attacks? Actually, a whole lot. Panic attacks are the ultimate example of loop-based thinking. They are a kind of hypnotic state, albeit one that is extremely negative and destructive to the sufferer.  Panic attacks begin with a terrifying image or sensation, which then begins to feedback onto itself in a loop. So the sufferer’s mind just goes around on and around in an obsessive loop, which feeds off of the original fear.  

How to stop panic attacks? First, realize what they are, cognitive loops; then use one of several methods to “break the spell” of the panic attack by either 1. stopping the loop, or 2. introducing a new loop that is more beneficial.  Let’s take a look at these two techniques to stop panic attacks, one at a time. 

Stopping panic attacks by halting a cognitive loop: 

In some cases, panic attacks can be stopped very quickly by shifting your focus in an extreme way.  Although it is not always appropriate or possible to use this method, if you can get a moment alone in a private place, there are things you can do to “shock your system,” and halt the repetitive loop of the panic attack.  One method is to scream at the top of your voice, “stop!”  A loud outburst of this type can often be enough to stop the mental loop that is running (the panic attack). 

Another technique is to shower with extremely cold water, or if that’s not possible at the moment, just put ice cubes straight from the freezer down your shirt. Again, the shock of the freezing cold water or ice will often be enough to stop the panic attack “loop,” and reset your thought processes. 

Stopping panic attacks by replacing a cognitive loop: 

In this method, you’re trying to start a new cognitive loop to compete with the panic attack loop that is already running.  One way of doing this is to repetitively sing a very catchy line from a song over and over and over again. Pick a song you really like, with a catchy melody, and don’t sing the whole song — just one or two catchy lines, and repeat them again and again until you feel your state has shifted and the panic attack is fading. 

Another method is to simply repeat a short, catchy phrase.  You can say it out loud or just inside your head.  Famous phrases such as “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country,” often work, or a scripture quote. You can pick any phrase that flows easily for you and is simple to remember, and it doesn’t have to be motivational or positive — just a bland “neutral” comment is fine.    The key is to repeat the phrase almost obsessively and get into a rhythm with it, so it quickly becomes a repetitive cognitive loop, displacing the old loop — and stopping the panic attack. These are just a few methods to stop panic attacks, and you can find more in the EasyCalm anxiety video series, including our very popular 30 second breathing technique to stop panic attacks. J.Mercer, MA
www.easycalm.com

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The  “Instant Tranquility” NLP Hypnosis Session

Today I’m proud to announce that we have updated the EasyCalm anxiety series to include a brand new NLP hypnosis session called “Instant Tranquility.” The session works relatively quickly, using powerful linguistic “loops”  derived from NLP to calm anxiety and stress, and replace anxious and panicky feelings with a sense of optimism and well-being.

We’ve had phenomenal responses so far to Instant Tranquility, and it is now included as a free bonus with the full EasyCalm series. But because I believe that NLP techniques are such a powerful tool against anxiety and panic attacks, I want everyone to be able to try this hypnosis session, not just those two have purchased the EasyCalm anxiety series. For that reason, I have made the entire session available free on our homepage:  http://www.easycalm.com/

I have also put  Instant Tranquility on YouTube,  where it is rapidly becoming very popular.   I will post a link to the session below in this post so you can try it for yourself . We’re very proud of the success of Instant Tranquility, and hope to add more NLP hypnosis sessions to the EasyCalm series over the next 6 months.

Neurolinguistic programming, or NLP, is probably the most powerful tool available for “reframing” fears, so it is ideal for combating panic attacks and anxiety. Try the session and be sure to leave a comment and let us know how well it works for you too. Great  changes have been reported by many users after only using this session once or twice. It works well for simply relaxing after a stressful day, too! 

So even if you don’t have an anxiety or panic attack  “problem,” you may still notice it helps you relax deeply and stay in a happier state of mind. Afterward, please leave a comment, and thanks in advance for  all your  positive feedback — it is much appreciated.  

Try the Instant Tranquility NLP hypnosis session here!

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