Anxiety Attack Relief Techniques and Home Remedies

When you're in the midst of an anxiety attack, it can feel like the world is crashing down around you...

Anxiety
May 8, 2025

When you're in the midst of an anxiety attack, it can feel like the world is crashing down around you.

Your heart races, your chest feels tight, and you may even feel like you're going to pass out.

It's a scary feeling, but there are things you can do to help ease your symptoms and get through the attack.

Get Up and Move

One of the best things you can do for an anxiety attack is to get up and move around.

Go for a walk, run in place, or do some other form of physical activity.

This helps to release the built-up tension in your body and can also help to clear your mind.

Exercise is an important factor in managing anxiety and can help to prevent future attacks.

a young male with their eyes closed

Breathe Deeply

Deep breathing. Taking deep, slow breaths is also very helpful in easing anxiety attack symptoms.

Focus on taking deep belly breaths and count to four as you inhale, then count to four as you exhale.

When you're feeling anxious, your breathing may become shallow and rapid.

This can make your symptoms worse, so it's important to focus on deep, slow breathing.

Inhale through your nose for a count of four, then exhale through your mouth for a count of four.

Repeat this until you feel your symptoms start to ease.

Practice Relaxation Techniques Like Progressive Muscle Relaxation or Guided Imagery

Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a peaceful place.

This is a technique called visualization and it can be very effective in helping to calm your mind and ease your anxiety.

Another relaxation technique is progressive muscle relaxation.

This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body, starting with your toes and working up to your head.

Tensing and relaxing your muscles helps to release the built-up tension in your body and can also help to clear your mind.

Meditate or Do Yoga to Help Calm Your Mind and Body Down

Meditation and yoga are great ways to help ease anxiety.

They can help to calm your mind and body down by focusing on your breath and on the present moment.

There are many different types of meditation, so find one that works best for you.

There are also many different types of yoga, so find a class that works for you.

There are many yoga videos on YouTube you can watch, so find one that works for you.

Talk it Out With Someone You Trust, Such as a Therapist or Counselor

If you're feeling anxious, talking to someone can be very helpful.

Find someone you trust, such as a therapist or counselor, and talk about what's going on.

They can help you to understand your anxiety and can give you the tools to deal with it.

Talking to someone can also help you to feel less alone in dealing with your anxiety.

This is an important part of anxiety attack relief techniques that work for you.

If there aren't many options in your area you can also try online solutions.

See if you can find an online therapist or counselor to talk to.

Take Care of Yourself By Eating Healthy Foods, Exercising Regularly, and Getting Enough Sleep

It's important to take care of yourself if you're dealing with anxiety.

Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all important factors in managing anxiety.

Think of yourself as a car. If you don't put the right fuel in, it's not going to run well.

The same goes for your body.

You need to give yourself the proper nourishment to function at your best.

Exercise is also important for managing anxiety.

It helps to release the built-up tension in your body and can also help to clear your mind.

And last but not least, getting enough sleep is crucial for managing anxiety.

Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

This is one of the anxiety attack relief techniques that will help you along your way.

an adult female looking up with their eyes closed

Avoid or Limit Caffeine and Alcohol, as They Can Worsen Anxiety Symptoms

Caffeine and alcohol can both make anxiety worse, so it's best to avoid them or limit your intake.

If you do drink caffeine, try to limit it to one cup of coffee per day.

You should also avoid drinking alcohol before bed, as it can interfere with your sleep.

These types of stimulants or depressants can make anxiety worse, so it's best to avoid them if possible.

Try Over-The-Counter Medications or Herbal Supplements to Help Ease Anxiety Symptoms

There are many over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements that can help ease anxiety.

Some of these include:

  • Kava Kava: This is an herbal supplement that has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety.
  • L-Theanine: This is an amino acid found in green tea that can help to ease anxiety.
  • Valerian Root: This is a herb that can help to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.

Research these products more before you buy them.

They may be an option that can help ease your anxiety symptoms.

There are many other options available, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see what would work best for you.

They can help you explore more anxiety attack relief techniques.

Seek Professional Help if Your Anxiety is Severe or Impacting Your Quality of Life

If your anxiety is severe or impacting your quality of life, it's important to seek professional help.

This can be in the form of therapy, medication, or both.

Don't suffer in silence.

Seek professional help if you're struggling with anxiety.

It can make a huge difference in your life.

Conclusion

Anxiety can be a difficult thing to deal with, but there are many options available to help ease anxiety.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see what would work best for you.

Seek professional help if your anxiety is severe or impacting your quality of life.

Don't suffer in silence.

There are many options available to help ease anxiety.

These are just a few of the many anxiety attack relief techniques that are available.

Experiment with different methods until you find one (or a combination of methods) that works for you.

And remember, if your anxiety is severe or impacting your quality of life, seek professional help.

Don't suffer in silence.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Anxiety

What can happen if I don't seek help for my anxiety?

Ignoring anxiety can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation and even depression.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety?

To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.

How do I know if my therapist is a good fit for me?

It's important that you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with your therapist in order to open up and get more out of therapy sessions; therefore finding someone who meets certain criteria like experience level, expertise areas, and personality is key when selecting a therapist who can give meaningful feedback about how best handle issues related to anxiety or other mental health concerns.

Are there specific therapy services for anxiety and depression covered by Medicaid?

Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.

How long does anxiety counseling typically take?

The duration of anxiety counseling varies for each individual, depending on the severity of their anxiety and their progress in therapy. Our therapists will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Why is it important to address anxiety?

Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.