LibraryScenariosWhen breath awareness triggers anxiety instead of calm
Scenario

When breath awareness triggers anxiety instead of calm

I cannot breathe properly anymore and when I try to do breathing exercises I panic because focusing on my breath makes me aware of how shallow and tight it has become.

Patan
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Hypervigilance to bodily sensations creates a feedback loop where the remedy becomes another source of distress.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Habit formation and behavior change?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.