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!

---

Showing Your Appreciation - How To Make Others Feel Special

"There are fine things which you mean to do someday,... Read More

Care And Maintenance Of The Human Hard Drive

The human brain is very much like a hard drive.... Read More

How Healing The Past Empowers Your Future

Everyday I meet people who have a chronic upset that... Read More

Resistance to Change

All of us are resistant to change, whether it's in... Read More

What If?

What If? What if I can't? What If I... Read More

Taking the Leap of Faith

So often we stop and look at our lives and... Read More

A Journey of a Thousand Miles

There is a Chinese proverb that says, "A journey of... Read More

Do You Suffer From The Chef Personality?

As a chef I have a unique perspective on anger.In... Read More

Go Where No Man Or Woman Has Gone Before

"It`s life Jim but not as we know it." -SpockIn... Read More

Stand Up!

One of the most undervalued blessings is God's will to... Read More

Ways To Beat The Blues

1. Sit back and enjoy (or at least tolerate) the... Read More

Faux Feelings

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 10,... Read More

A Plausible Defense

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 5,... Read More

Hope For Those Sexually Abused As Children

PART 1: Warning - This article may be inappropriate for... Read More

Starting A New Disaster Relief Program

I believe that it is an amazing time in our... Read More

Quitting Before It Even Starts

Most people give up just when they're about to achieve... Read More

Everyday is a Gift, Open and Enjoy It

There is a bottle of perfume sitting on my dresser... Read More

The Red Ribbon

Everyone wants a blue ribbon. Blue. First place. The best.... Read More

Voices Inside My Head

Have you ever wanted to do something really major-something stupendous-something... Read More

Challenge Your Problems

Life teaches us in peculiar ways. It knocks us down.... Read More

Unintended Consequences

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 26,... Read More

Persistency - Element In Reality

One of the keys to being successful in anything you... Read More

Get Your Guidance and Get to Know Your True Self

Many people feel they have everything they need in life,... Read More

Where Do You Go For Your Intellectual Feast?

(excerpted from Leading an Inspired Life)Pity the man who has... Read More

7 Strategies To Make Room For Money

Laws of the Attraction notwithstanding, there are several external ways... Read More

Psychic Sponge Syndrome: The Easy Inner-Centrifuge Remedy

Here's a nifty trick to use to clear yourself of... Read More

Supercharge Your Dreams!

We all accept the fact that the lighter the backpack,... Read More

All You Want is Within Your Reach

If there is one thing that I believe with all... Read More

Living Profoundly

When you realize that you really want to have an... Read More

Beluga Whale Hits the River

Wonders never cease. Just when those in our area of... Read More

Sissys Show of Support

I had been fighting with the software program that I... Read More

Dont Ever Give Up

There is a reason I never gave up. A reason... Read More

Israel Is My Son

"And thou shalt say unto Pharoah, Thus saith the Lord,... Read More