2. Deep breathing exercises
Sometimes, extreme feelings of anxiety during an attack can cause your body to freeze which hinders basic bodily functions, such as breathing. You may experience hyperventilating or you may feel your heart or lungs constrict.
Gaining control of your breathing is a good first step in helping your body and mind relax. Start by taking slow and deep breaths in and through your mouth. Close your eyes and inhale for four seconds, hold it in for a second and feel the air entering your lungs, and then let it out in counts of four. Repeat this process until you feel your mind relaxing or at least when the pain in your chest begins to subside.
