Smile! Banish Your Fear

Changing our physiology is one of the best ways to change the way we think and feel. Smiling (and I don't mean just a little smile - a big grin will do!) has the ability to change how we feel in an instant. Laughter too, is one of the best ways to heal our mind and body, hence the proliferation of laughter classes all around the world.

If you consider this idea cute, but not worthwhile, here is an example of how I cured panic attacks by changing my physiology alone:

For around eight years I had panic attacks almost every night just before I went to sleep or if I woke up in the middle of the night. They ranged from startle through to terror and hyperventilation. I didn't think there was anything I could do about it so I kept the problem to myself.

I came across a technique however, which allowed me to immediately calm down my emotions so that I could logically dispute the fears that were keeping me awake.

As soon as I experienced fear, I would relax my body, look up at the ceiling (looking upwards has a different affect on our body compared to looking down) and grin widely. I would not stop grinning until the fear subsided. Sometimes the fear would come back once I stopped grinning, and so I would just grin again!

The effect was powerful. While I was grinning (and it had to stay a happy grin - not a grimace) I was completely unable to feel the terror that would normally strike me.

You don't need to be in a fearful situation to use this idea. You can smile for no reason at all! Smiling is associated in our minds with happiness, so the more we smile the better we feel. And afterall, what is the point of all the things we do, if not to ultimately create happiness?

(C) Copyright Petra Rankin 2005

Petra Rankin used powerful techniques to beat her own long-term depression. She is now dedicated to teaching others how to be happier and lead more successful lives. Her first book Fast Track Your Success and Happiness is due to be launched in September 2005 and is currently available for download as a free e-book instead of paying $19.95. Limited time only!

Your Turn On The Holodeck

Good morning Roy, good morning Joseth.Roy? You have in your... Read More

20 Ways To Improve Your Life

People often ask me how they can improve their lives.I... Read More

Anchors Away!

If we want to fill our heads with the doom... Read More

Conscious Living

Earlier this year, following an intention to live more consciously,... Read More

Heart

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 24,... Read More

A Dream is Just a Dream ... Or is It?

Some people dismiss dreams as nonsense, thought patterns running amuck... Read More

Melting Snow

I love the sounds of melting snow-plink, plink, ting, ting,... Read More

Lifestyle Changes ? A Conscious Choice!

Are you ready for a change? Is it time for... Read More

A Rush Home to Rapture

Riding a rush, being juiced, flying high-this is the feeling... Read More

Without Love

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 30,... Read More

Work In Progress: 10 Benefits of Not Knowing It All

1. You can relax and enjoy your life more if... Read More

Surefire Ways to Develop a Thankful Attitude

Spend some time thinking about how good you have it.... Read More

Inspirations: Even More Things Ive Noticed Along the Way So Far

Some people live in and talk about the past so... Read More

Imaginings

Most people like movies. Some, like me, are enthralled by... Read More

The Most Powerful Question Ever Asked?

What if every experience in your life is sent to... Read More

Worship and Football: Lets Take Another Look

At a recent seminar we were asked to imagine if... Read More

I Hate My Computer and Other Inspirational Thoughts

The New Year has not started out very well for... Read More

Make Mistakes! Its Okay - Really!

When you fall, do you get right back up? Do... Read More

Death Wish

I tremble at the thought that millions of people suffer... Read More

Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time

I just got back from Colorado where I spent a... Read More

The Information Age

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 1,... Read More

Recognize the Perfect Realtor

As soon as you have launched a strong desire, the... Read More

Winning the Thought Battle

If you have read my articles or heard me speak,... Read More

Favorite Quotations... What Do They Say About Us?

Have you stopped to think what your favorite quotes are... Read More

Tranquility

It's all in the mind- your mind.It's not brought about... Read More