Millions of people experience panic attacks in their daily lives and it doesn't have to be that way. So below I've outlined 4 tips for panic attacks that should really make a difference to you if you apply them.

To provide a bit of background first, my name is Timothy Radditz. When I was in my 20's I began to notice more and more how I would get these anxious feelings when going out in public. My hands would get clammy and I'd feel tenseness throughout my body. This went on for years until I was in my early 30's.

I remember the turning point like it was yesterday. One day I'm in the grocery store at the checkout counter. And all of a sudden the room just started spinning. I must have felt every possible symptom of a panic attack.

These symptoms include:

• Palpitations

• a pounding heart, or an accelerated heart rate

• Sweating

• Trembling or shaking

• Shortness of breath

• A choking sensation

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Nausea or stomach cramps

• Derealization (a feeling of unreality)

• Fear of losing control or going crazy

• Numbness or a tingling sensation

• Chills or hot flashes

The realization finally hit me at that moment that this can't be normal. So I hightailed it out of there as fast as I could and that day I started researching ways to overcome panic attacks and looking for possible panic attack cures, if any. At the time I really didn't recognize my experience as a "panic attack", but that's certainly what it was.

Can you relate to this? Do you experience any of the above on a regular basis during stressful situations?

Some anxiety is normal of course. Maybe you're facing a tough exam, are getting ready to speak in public, or are going on a blind date. We all would get a bit anxious in these situations. But if you feel an overwhelming feeling of dread that comes without warning and for no reason, there's a good chance you're experiencing a panic attack.

So...if you feel you are having a panic attack, what can you do?

Apply the following Panic Attack Tips:

• Correct your breathing. Many times the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic may be triggered by hyperventilation or rapid breathing. This raises oxygen levels and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood. It's very important that you learn to breathe from the diaphragm and not from the chest. And you must lengthen exhalation to relax. If you inhale for a longer period of time then when you exhale, you will increase the effects of a Panic Attack.

• When going through a panic attack, one thing that has helped me is to be active. You need to occupy your mind, so it's critical to do something, no matter what it is. For example something as simple as splashing your face with cold water, taking exercise, or seeking out company may alleviate the symptoms.

• Similar to point 2 above, listening to your favorite music or watching a television show may help. Even eating or drinking something from the fridge can be beneficial. Just don't use your panic attack symptoms as an excuse to get fat.   The point is that anything which can divert the mind from the source of the panic is a plus.

• And finally...TALK to someone. But don't talk to that person about the panic attack. The purpose is to distract the mind. So talk about something other than the panic attack. If you're discussing your panic attack with someone while it's happening, the attack may not subside as quickly as you want.

Panic Attacks can generally be treated successfully with or without having to go through medication or costly therapy. Of course the preference is to cure it yourself, so it's important that you find and eliminate the root causes that trigger your Panic Attacks.