HOMEWORK as assigned by @michaelmalice – Day 1 I was having a very bad day, and feeling overwrought and near hopeless. Michael reached out to me and encouraged me to do some research and post my findings. In return, he’d retweet the thread to his multitude of followers,
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and maybe we could help some people. Research: First off, I found out what I have been referring to as panic attacks can probably be more accurately described as anxiety – the fight/flight/freeze response. Rapid heartbeat and quickened breathing are classic symptoms.
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My research has shown that the very first thing one should try when experiencing anxiety are some calming exercises. I wanted to start out simple, so here’s what I did today:
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Implementation: I started using the “Breathe” app on my watch. It’s one minute of deep breathing. The app buzzes my wrist to time my breaths, and I’m supposed to focus on the act of breathing in and breathing out.
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This app is extremely easy to use. It auto-reminds me to take a minute to breathe, but I can also use it at any time. I can add minutes so that I can breathe for several consecutive minutes.
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A word of caution: too much deep breathing can make you lightheaded! ;) Results: Initially I found it difficult to remain focussed on breathing. When I used the app at a particular time because I was feeling anxious, my mind still whirled with what was bothering me.
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But with some practice and real concentration, I find this tool really helps. It’s very much about an awareness of what is extremely basic to life; just breathing in and breathing out.
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Conclusion: I will continue to use this app, but it does have limitations. It doesn’t do anything to eliminate the causes of anxiety, for one. But as an immediate intervention to help me calm down, slow my heart rate and take away my tension for a bit, I find it very helpful.
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Most recent pulse reading: 72bpm So, Michael, this is day one of the 10 days you suggested. I will do my best to keep it up.
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YES will RT when done pls tag me if you need motivation
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