Don't Panic!
- Carrissa Pannuzzo, M.A., LMFT, LPC
- Series: Dear Rosa
Every day things happen and we respond. Sometimes they’re fun and positive and we feel good. Sometimes they’re dark and stressful and we feel down and under attack. When we encounter these things our bodies respond as if we are in danger. Our heart rates accelerate to above 90-100 beats per minute. This causes us to be in defense mode and we can’t think clearly. The best thing to do in this situation is to remember that “this is not an emergency” and to take at least five deep, belly breaths. We don’t have to react. We can get grounded and choose peace.
