here are some self-soothing techniques from DBT that also help, either before or after a panic~
Default Self Comforting Skills
we are social creatures, but getting what we need when we need it from another is not always available. here are some of the suggestions from the DBT handbook on Self Soothing Skills:
think of soothing each of your FIVE SENSES
1) Vision: Notice what you see, find soothing things to look at.
(i go to a blog that has lovely pictures:
C PTSD - A Way Out | A place to check in daily )
2) Hearing: Pay attention to what you can hear around you.
(put on your favorite music...)
3) Smell: Be aware of the memories that smell can bring.
(i like to do aroma therapy. there are many Essential Oils for that.)
4) Taste: Carefully savor flavors that the day brings you.
(keep a favorite hard candy on hand, for the little sugar boost, too.)
5) Touch: Find comfort in touch.
(keep a special pillow or blanket with a favorite perfume on it.)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy/Distress Tolerance Skills/Self-soothing - Wikibooks, open books for an open world
these are not listed, but i find them handy, too:
A) Reassurance: Tell yourself that you are OK, safe and unharmed.
(the danger is past, you have survived this before and now
you are stronger and more skillful than then.)
B) Take Action: Go for a walk, or exercise or clean house or cook. (use your
body's natural focusing powers to leave the fear behind.)
C) Refocus: Think about pleasant things. Push the hurtful thoughts away.
(have a hobby or a story, or a book that you like, to take your
mind to a better place.)
i hope some of these things are helpful to you, i hope you find comfort in times of need~
best wishes~
Gus