The choice for me, drug free

[noflyingfan]

I know a lot of us here use Xanax or whatever, but do any of you have any good relaxation exercises that you use to keep yourself calm?

I have one, that I was just thinking of because of Mark's post about getting over FOF helping in other areas of life, and I just used this one the other night.

You just try to relax all of your muscles, try to let yourself just sort of sink into the bed or floor or chair or whatever you're on and say silently to yourself... "One...relax. Two...relax" and so on up to ten. Then count back from ten, with "relax" in the middle.

The exercise is great for insomnia, only you replace "relax" with "sleep." The only thing is, you can't use the exercise for both things, or when you're trying to relax, you'll end up really sleepy.

[invert29]

I have never tried any of the anti-anxiety meds. About 12 years ago, I was having a lot of panic attacks and was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. I taught myself a lot of meditation/relaxation techniques which cured me of the panic (except for the left over phobia!) Of all the things I learned, I still often use a technique called progressive muscle relaxation. You systematically tense and release muscle groups while deep breathing. It is a great way to relax.

An example exercise can be found here (as well as many other places)
stress.about.com/gi/dynam...2Fles1.htm (http://stress.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=stress&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fourworld.compuserve.com%2Fhomepage s%2Fhar%2Fles1.htm)

Chris

[firsttimeposting]

I would love to learn more about non-drug choices to cope with anxiety. I take an SSRI along with ativan at times and have not had the courage except once to try flying without ativan. You get so afraid of the panic that I think why put myself through that when I can just take a pill. But it would be great to not feel so drowsy and to be truely strong on my own without the dependency of a drug.

[noflyingfan]

Firsttime, there is nothing shameful or embarrassing about needing pharmaceutical help to fly. I know the feeling; it makes you feel kind of weak and silly. Plus I don't like to put chemicals into my body unless I really have to.

But if you want to ease yourself off of the Ativan, try Rescue Remedy. Available at GNC or any health food store, it's made from flower extracts and really works to calm the nerves. Try that with some breathing exercises, and you'll be off the Ativan in no time!

[invert29]

Firsttime, I would also suggest looking into some books on anxiety relief that discuss different relaxation exercises. You might have to try several before you find one that works for you. They also take practice before being really effective. Be patient and keep trying!

[Passenger Mark]

I think this thread would be a good place to list other (non-med) methods.

They can be used with or without meds.

Do not get me wrong. I do not feel there is anything wrong with using meds to help you get on, or in my case... stay on a plane.

I have brought myself down from (4) .5 Ativan to only (1). And I think the Phoenix flight will be a good one for zero.

Again, nothing wrong with it... just me personally I want to do this without any meds.

So, please post any other ideas or methods any of you have used.

[WillFlyToDisney]

Best anti-anxiety treatment? Meet the pilots! I was close to losing it in September on my flight into the tropical storm but my conversation with the pilot did more to calm me down than any amount of Xanax could have.

Besides... they look smoking in their uniforms! :ray:

Kelley