My anxiety has gotten a lot more prominent in my life since starting college a year and a half ago, and it was around that time I started experiencing panic attacks. I could barely sit through a lecture without thinking I was about to go full-on panic mode in front of the whole class, which made me even more anxious. School turned into a trigger for my anxiety, especially certain classes when I would feel it more in than others. I wanted to avoid those classes at all costs and skip them, but I didn’t want it to get to that point, so I’d force myself to sit through an hour and fifteen-minute lecture while feeling like my heart might explode into pieces. For anyone whose had a panic attack, you know I am not just being dramatic. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.

Much of my anxiety comes from wanting to escape the present moment, when really, I should be living in it. I worry about the future even though it hasn’t happened yet, and I’m no Raven Baxter so I can’t predict it. Regarding the past, I cannot change it, and everything that has been done has been done, so there is no point in dwelling over the mistakes that may have happened. But why do we do this? Why do we constantly want to escape this only moment we have control over? In order to keep myself from thinking WAY too much about what I should do or what I could’ve done, I use these grounding techniques to keep my mind on the present.

1. Drink some water!

2. Lightly scratch your arm like you have an itch.

3. Count all the red, blue, yellow, or any color you choose objects in the room.

4. Use your five senses to become aware of your surroundings (what do you see?, what do you hear?, what do you taste?, touch?, smell?).

5. Tap your foot or pen if you are in class.

6. Focus on the person's voice that is speaking to you (teacher, parent, friend, etc.). Notice how they sound, how their voice may change, etc.

7. Chew some gum. Your body doesn't have time to eat/chew gum if it is in danger, so this reassures your body that it is indeed ok!

8. Ask yourself basic questions like: What is the date today? What is my name? Where am I? This can calm your mind down because you know the answers to these basic questions.