Stopping a panic attack after it’s started is not an easy task. Mostly, you have to ride it out, stay calm, and lean on your experience. Certain drugs can provide immediate relief, but they usually have some severe side effects. So the question is, what types of panic attack remedies truly work? Here are some real ones that do.

Exercise would be a good start. Even the lightest exercise done on a regular basis can have very positive effects on your life. Aerobic exercise in particular increases the heart’s capacity for work and just knowing that your heart’s in a little better shape can ease your mind about facing your next panic attack.

Avoid substances that heighten anxiety or change your mood. Too much caffeine can sometimes jump-start a panic attack. Alcohol can also have a similar effect. If you have any known allergies to substances, avoid those too because they may have a hand in altering your mood and plunging you into an anxiety attack.

Add some natural remedies to your daily diet. There are many non-drug substances available at health food stores that have calming and healing effects, especially herbal teas. Everyone’s heard about Chamomile’s sedative properties, but other teas like Lemon Balm and Passion Flower have calming effects as well. Find one that you enjoy and relax over a cup once a day.

Learn one or two stress management or relaxation techniques. There are many techniques that can be done throughout the day that are short and to the point. Even if it’s a yoga cleansing breath done a few times a day, it can be very effective. Other methods like learning how to meditate or listening to guided imagery tapes or CDs are equally effective.

Engage in some active behavioral therapy on your own. In other words, make an effort to do more fun things in your day or week. And make a similar effort to eliminate one or more stressful things. For instance, set aside some time to get out of the house and see a movie every week. At the same time, maybe you could turn off that cell phone on Friday nights.

Talk to someone. This can be as formal as seeking professional counseling, or as informal as just talking to a close friend about what you’re feeling. Sharing your thoughts and emotions with someone can be cathartic and make you feel more capable of handling the next anxiety attack.

In today’s world, you have options. You don’t have to rely on drugs or drug therapy as your only option for anxiety relief. You can take active steps to improve your situation by changing habits and behaviors. You can make real progress in your life and find your own panic attack remedies that help chase panic away for good.