Crossword Puzzles stop Panic Attacks

By admin · Monday, May 25th, 2009

Have you ever had a panic attack? They are horrible. Your palms go sweaty, your breathing is rapid, your heart thumps in your chest, you may feel sick or even faint and your eyes seem to have trouble focusing. Panic or anxiety attacks can strike out of nowhere. Although nervy people are more prone to panic attacks they can strike anyone without warning. The first time you have one you won’t know what is wrong with you.

When you are anxious it is hard to concentrate on your work. Mundane tasks are routine and let your mind wander freely and usually into a panic zone. If you are worried about money the classic time for a panic attack is as you are about to go to the supermarket. Even if you aren’t consciously thinking about the money your subconcious will be calculating away before you even look at the shelves.

An article published on Science Today at the University of California says that the best way to combat panic attacks is to work on ” brain-sharpening activities such as crossword puzzles”.

There are two reasons that crossword puzzles will help to combat panic and anxiety. The medical reason is that crosswords stimulate the area of the brain that manages logic and concentration. Strengthening that part of the brain will help to reduce the impact from the more emotional, panic-stricken side. The non-medical reason is that turning your mind to something absorbing and challenging will use up the time and concentration that you would otherwise allow for worrying.

The great thing about crossword puzzles is that they are so portable. You can print out a puzzle or take a puzzle book with you in your handbag or even tucked into a pocket. They are there whenever you feel an attack coming on. If your palms start to sweat or your breathing becomes rapid take time out and work on your crossword puzzle. After a while you will feel a release that will help you to cope.

The good news is that your panic attacks will pass. They aren’t permanent. Use a crossword puzzle to help fight them off.