If you don’t want to use any medications when it comes to your anxiety and panic attacks, then you might be searching for ways to cure panic attacks naturally. There are several elements you can use in your quest to learn how to cure panic attacks. It is an elusive goal that evades many. Here is just a short list of natural alternatives that some people have found useful in the past.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Of course, you have to be open to therapy to give this a try, but some people have had a lot of luck with this type of therapy. It is used by psychologists and focuses on the triggers that cause the panic attacks to start with. In addition, it also helps you learn techniques to control your responses to those triggers, as well as strategies to help you cope with them once you are in the middle of a panic attack. Learning to prevent or diminish the intensity is the beginning of the path to learning how to cure a panic attack.

2. Relaxation techniques

These will vary by the person, of course, but there are relaxation techniques that can be employed during a panic attack that can help minimize it, as well as relaxation techniques that you can utilize on a daily basis to help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Some possible techniques include yoga, music, meditation, journaling, drawing, exercise, and deep breathing exercises.

3. Herbal remedies

Some people find a panic attacks cure with herbal remedies. Some natural substances that can be used to calm the nerves include lavender, lemon balm, chamomile, and passiflora. These have all had good results when it comes to anxiety. St. John’s Wort has also been used successfully in treating panic attacks. These should be discussed with your physician, especially if you are on any other types of medication.

4. Avoid stimulants

Some stimulants, such as sugar and caffeine, can worsen panic attacks or make you more susceptible to having them. They can make you feel nervous and irritable which can definitely increase your overall anxiety. Anxiety, then, can lead to the panic attacks.

5. Take a look at your overall lifestyle

Eating a healthy diet that is full of vitamins and minerals is essential. It is also important to get enough sleep at night and to get plenty of exercise. Exercise increases endorphins which are good for dealing with anxiety. Sleep deprivation can also make you more irritable and anxious, which can make panic attacks more likely. Eating more natural foods that don’t contain additives and preservatives is not only healthier, but can also increase your immune system and help you build up strong defenses.

You’re busily going on with your daily routine and unexpectedly you find that your heart is racing, that you are drenched with sweat, you feel sick to your stomach, and you’re filled with confusion. In addition to all of these things, you also have an overwhelming sense of fear. You appreciate the fact that you’re in the middle of a panic attack. So how to stop a panic attack?

1. Substitute: In learning how to stop panic attacks, the first thing that you should try is compartmentalizing the harmful thoughts that are feeding the attack. As a substitute, center your attention on something that is simply more agreeable.

For example: if you’re on your way to visit your in-laws and you suddenly have a panic attack, put a halt to the negative thoughts and think about the movie night you’re having with your girlfriend instead. Visualize the popcorn, the movie trailers-whatever you can to replace the negative thoughts that are feeding the attack.

2. Breathe: it’s not rocket science, but taking a breath is often difficult when you are having an attack. Whether you take long breaths or short ones, just remember to take a breath. Focus on your breathing and you will not only get the oxygen carried to your brain that it needs, but it will refocus your attention, too.

3. Talk: If you have someone that you can trust, then talk to them. However, don’t talk to someone who will simply ignore you and your attack. You want understanding, not a brush off.

4. Don’t question the attack: Analyzing it is probably not going to work. Why? Because panic attacks are not usually rooted in logical fears. Instead, they are rooted in “what ifs?” that are probably never going to happen. Therefore, trying to be logical about them is usually futile. Instead of questioning why you’re having it, focus on getting over it.

5. Touch something: This might sound strange, but sometimes touch can help alleviate a panic attack. If you have a partner, now is the time for a hug. If you don’t, then try wrapping yourself in a sweater, leaning back in your chair, bringing your knees up to your chest, or leaning over at your waist. For some reason, the feel of contact can provide support and assurance even during difficult anxiety attacks. Of course, you don’t want to hug a random stranger or your boss, but the table will do.

Hope these few tips will make it clear how to stop panic and anxiety attacks, or at least give you some weapons against them.