Well, here it is again,the change of season. It is spring and my favorite time of the year. I so enjoy seeing things come to life. My tulips have pushed through the earth reaching for the sun to bloom. My lilac bushes are starting to form tiny green buds. My dogwood trees are budding and showing their hint of pink color that they will proudly display.
The windows are all open and the fresh air perfumes my home. I love sitting in my yard watching all the flowers and trees coming to life again.
Ah and clothing. No more bundling up with layers of clothes, I can just slip my shoes on and I'm good to go. These are so many benefits of Spring. I absolutely Love It!
But, why am I depressed? Why can't I have the energy to go outside and take a walk? Why are those panic attacks coming in like a storm?
It is Seasonal Affective Disorder, once again. Through many forms of therapies during the past few years, I have found ways to battle this. I fully understand what it is and how to go through it, BUT... the panic attacks started coming at me like giant waves and after that depression.
As I was about to go out the other day, all was fine. I was excited to wear my new spring jacket and relieved not to be bundled. I looked at the temperature and it was a perfect 70 degree day. As I collected my stuff to put into my bag...BOOM...it hit me! A panic attack from hell.
I realized what it was, and wouldn't give in. My husband rushed to my side (again) but I told him I needed a little time. I went into my bedroom and used one method I have learned to "trick" my subconscious. Here is what I did:
As I lay in my bed I took three very deep cleansing breaths. I visualized how every breath I take is healing. I gave that around 5 minutes...just being aware of my breathing.
Then I focused on relaxing my face...muscle by muscle all the way down to my toes.
Now here is the Kicker: With all muscles relaxed, I put on a Half Smile for 5 minutes, all the while focusing on my breathing.
.....20 minutes later.......I was up and ready to go.
This is just one technique I use to get myself out of panic and into the world again.
If you apply this technique over and over again, you will see what I mean. It doesn't happen in one shot my friends, but it over a few try's at it, I'm sure you will master it.
THE HALF SMILE: With a relaxed face, using a half smile, your subconscious thinks you are happy. With a tense face, and half smile your subconscious will know you are angry.
I'm passing on this Technique I learned from doing it.
HOPE IT CAN WORK FOR YOU!
Blessings,
Donna Merrill