Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies, 2nd Edition
Book image
Explore Book Buy On Amazon

Feelings of anxiety often are accompanied by physical reactions. When your body trembles with anxious sensations like sweaty hands, a shaky voice, a racing heart, or an upset stomach, try a few relaxing breaths:

  1. Put your hand on your abdomen.

  2. Take a slow, deep breath and notice your abdomen expanding.

  3. Hold that breath for 5 or 6 seconds.

  4. Slowly breathe out and let your shoulders droop.

  5. As you exhale, say the word “relax” to yourself.

  6. Repeat this type of breath ten times.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Charles H. Elliott, PhD, and Laura L. Smith, PhD, are clinical psychol-ogists who specialize in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. They are the authors of several For Dummies books, including Borderline Personality Disorder For Dummies and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder For Dummies.

This article can be found in the category: