Relief For Panic Attacks & Anxiety


This 8 week session is something I am particularly proud of.  I am a former panic attack sufferer myself and have done a great deal of research on the subject.  We begin each class with a 15 minute lecture covering a multitude of topics and coping techniques that help relieve anxiety and panic attacks.  We then move on to a 45 minute beginner-style yoga class where you will tone, shape and strengthen your muscles while profoundly soothing and relaxing your mind.  I personally found Yoga to be a wonderful tool in helping me overcome my panic attacks.  It is a unique form of exercise because Yoga forces the participant to maintain focused concentration on their breathing.  This is a meditative act which keeps the participant fully in the moment, a skill which takes time and practice to master.  Learning to remain in the moment without your mind racing to "what-if" scenarios, which lead to anticipatory anxiety, which lead to panic, is a valuable gift which can change your life.

Of course Yoga alone will not be enough to overcome panic attacks.  I had to approach it from many different angles including nutrition, positive vs. negative inner dialogue, breath control, examining my expectations, employing positive distraction, working step by step on avoidance behaviours, visualization, time management, identifying stressors in my life, overcoming shame and embarrassment and admitting that I needed help (many of us are perfectionists), and increasing my knowledge on the subject.  This is why I have included the lectures in this 8 week session.

Panic attacks can sometimes lead to agoraphobia and often it is difficult for a participant to come to class.  It is helpful to have a supportive loved one join them in the class.  The loved one will enjoy learning about this very common condition and having a fabulous low impact workout.

The classes are held at the Guelph Montessori School in central Guelph. 

Click here for map.  

  The 8 week session costs $99 (+ $12.87 hst) = $111.87.  

Next session starts Monday, September 20th 2010 6:30pm to 7:30pm. The class runs every Monday (except

Thanksgiving -  October 11th) until November 15th for a total of 8 classes.

 Accepting registrations now.

To register or request more information contact Carolyn at

yoga@sentex.ca or call 519 824-8369

You will need

a large towel or yoga mat and a water bottle.

Excerpt from Lecture I :  " Physically what's going on is chemical.  Your body senses fear and releases chemical stimulants into your system to strengthen your body so it can fight or flee.  These chemicals include adrenalin, sodium lactate and cortisol.... Common symptoms include strong anxiety episodes, racing heart/chest discomfort, trembling, nausea, hot and cold flashes, feelings of unreality and disorientation, dizziness, scary uncontrollable thoughts, depressed feelings, fatigue, feelings of helplessness, panic episodes, muscle tension, migraine headaches, numbness in various parts of the body, and strange aches or pains."

Excerpt from Lecture II:  " Your Vagus nerve is one of the largest nerves in the body and it goes from your brain down and through your diaphragm.  Where it meets the diaphragm there are "sensors".  If your breath is rapid and shallow, then these "sensors" send signals to the brain to release....the chemicals responsible for the "fight or flight response" associated with panic attacks...It is possible, with practice, to learn to consciously control your breathing..."

Excerpt from Lecture III:  "One of the keys to overcoming anxiety attacks is to fully understand the difference between External Anxiety and Internal Anxiety.  It is the internally generated anxiety that gets us into trouble....There is a 7 step approach for dealing with a panic attack.."

Excerpt from Lecture IV:  "It is vital that you change the way you talk to yourself.  You must be compassionate about your anxiety. For example,' Of course I'm feeling anxious, I'm trying something new.  Everyone has these feelings sometimes.  It is normal.'  Never be unkind,' Oh no.  Here it comes again.  I hate myself for being like this.  Why can't I be normal?  I've got to get out of here before I pass out or go crazy.'  You must learn to talk to yourself in a relaxing, soothing and comforting manner."

Excerpt from Lecture V:  "B vitamins help maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system.  They work to help produce the key chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters.  Also, our nerves are wrapped in nerve sheaths that provide a kind of protective coating around them.  High levels of stress can strip down these sheaths and create a feeling of having 'raw nerves'.  B12 and B2 are an important component to the healthy maintenance of nerve sheaths...."

Excerpt from Lecture VI:  "Diet comes from the Greek word dieta, which means; way of life.  What you eat can help you maintain a balanced nervous system.  Let's begin with some things to avoid..."

Excerpt from Lecture VII:  "There is an effective method of reducing anxiety and increasing positive results in your daily life.  It is the use of positive visualization in the alpha and theta-wave state...Scientists have found that our brain operates in four levels of frequency, beta, alpha, theta and delta...."

Excerpt from Lecture VIII:  "Worry is common among people with anxiety disorders.  Worrying is a negative habit that needs to be broken.  Learn to differentiate between things over which you have control and things you don't.  Let go of worrying about all the things you have no control over (such as your adult children).  For the things in which you do have control over, form a plan of action that will produce a more positive outcome.  How valid are your worries?  Are they really that likely to happen?  If you are worrying about something that is very real and cannot be prevented, then devote your time and energy to preparing yourself mentally, easing your anxiety and improving the end result for yourself....."