How I Stopped Having Regular Panic Attacks.
I’d been suffering from a bad period of anxiety, which resulted in what seemed like never-ending panic attacks, some of which happened at work. I was working as a nurse at the time. The panic attacks actually made me feel like I was going to die, and I ended up in hospital with them twice! I knew I needed to get help because I felt that I could not live like this any longer, they were taking over my life!
So, back to that picture. That day, Christmas Day, I remember having a particularly bad moment. All I could think about was that I didn’t want to ruin Christmas for my family by having a panic attack, so I tried to put on a brave face. This, obviously, made things worse. I ended up crying alone in the kitchen while cooking Christmas dinner, beating myself up for panicking over the fact that I might have a panic attack. I mean, how do you explain to someone, ‘I’m panicking in case I have a panic attack’? Something had to change.
Turning to Scent for Comfort and Calm
When I read about how certain scents could help ground me during a panic attack, I was intrigued. It seemed so simple, yet powerful. Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon were all mentioned as essential oils known for their calming and stress-relieving properties. I decided to give it a try.
I started by using essential oils in my daily routine—diffusing them in my home, adding a few drops to a warm bath, and using them in wax melts and candles. The calming scent of lavender became my go-to when I needed to unwind, while peppermint helped me feel more alert during my workday. I can’t explain how, but I soon found that just the act of lighting a candle and breathing in the soothing scents helped reduce my anxiety and calmed my mind.
How Wax Melts Became My Therapy
During this period, I began making wax melts as a way to incorporate the calming scents I was using into my daily life in a more intentional way. I found creating something, anything, to focus on during my anxious moments helped me break the cycle of panic. It wasn’t just about the scents; the act of creating with my hands gave me a sense of control when everything else felt chaotic. I would melt the wax, blend the essential oils, and focus on the soothing process.
What started as a simple hobby became something more, a therapeutic outlet that not only helped me manage my anxiety but also grew into something I’m incredibly proud of. That’s how Country Junkie was born: from my need for relaxation, calm, and a way to heal, it turned into a small business where I could share the benefits of essential oils and wax melts with others.
Tips for Overcoming Panic Attacks and Managing Anxiety
Overcoming panic attacks is a journey, and it’s not always easy. But here are a few things I learned along the way that helped me regain control and find peace:
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Use Scents for Grounding
Scent has a powerful way of influencing our emotions. Try using lavender for relaxation or peppermint for focus. You can diffuse essential oils or use them in candles and wax melts as part of a calming ritual.
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Incorporate Mindfulness into Your Day
Take time each day to practice mindfulness. It doesn’t have to be long, but spend a few minutes focusing on your breath and being present. This simple habit can help you stay grounded when anxiety creeps in. -
Journal Your Thoughts
Writing things down can help you process emotions, reflect on your progress, and track your anxiety triggers. Journaling became one of my key practices for reducing stress and staying on track.
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Push Yourself to Take Small Steps
Anxiety often keeps us from doing the things we need to do. For me, this meant getting out of the house—even when I didn’t feel like it. Start small, like a short walk, and gradually push yourself to face the situations that cause anxiety.
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Be Kind to Yourself
Healing isn’t linear, and there will be good days and bad days. Don’t beat yourself up if progress feels slow. Celebrate the small wins, and be proud of how far you’ve come.
Sharing My Story and Finding Peace
Today, I’m out the other side of this struggle. I’m no longer ruled by panic attacks, and I’ve built a business that reflects everything I’ve learned along the way. Through making wax melts, using essential oils, journaling, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I’ve found peace and I want to help you find yours, too.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Overcoming panic attacks isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible, and I hope my journey can inspire someone else to take the first step toward healing.
