Panic Day
Taking time to unwind and recharge is vital for your overall well-being. It can boost creativity, productivity, and improve your mood.
Panic Day is the one day of the year that it might just be okay to give into that emotion that we all try to keep in check–panic! It is okay to feel overwhelmed or upset. Giving into that feeling every once in a while does not necessarily make a person weak or inept.
So go ahead and mark your calendar, and hang on tight until you get to Panic Day!
Once the day starts you can take the time to just let it all out, whether screaming into a pillow at home or climbing a mountain alone just to have a good yell after arriving at the top! Or it might be a day to recognize and apply some ways to avoid panic in the first place.
How to Celebrate Panic Day
The fun approach to Panic Day is to give into the lighter side of the concept of the day.
Some people might find it fun to stun their co-workers and friends by giving into the idea of stress right in the middle of the day, shouting about it and dancing around the room.
Adding in a few comments like “It’s too much!” or “Don’t make me do it anymore!” for dramatic flair could be a fun precursor prior to wishing them all a Happy Panic Day!
Not up for such a public celebration? Consider some of these suggestions for celebrating Panic Day:
Practice Breathing Deeply
It is well known that breath is vital for living, but stress and panic can cause breathing to be shallow and less effective for the body.
Practicing a few deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress (sometimes almost immediately!), lowering the heart rate and reducing the tendency to panic.
Try breathing deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth, counting from one to five for each breath. This type of practice helps reduce the risk of hyperventilation and offers a much needed respite for the mind and the body.
Listen to Happy Music
Sometimes panic ensues when the mind gets overwhelmed by circumstances. Tossing a few relaxing tunes onto the record player or a Spotify playlist may help to minimize the impact of stress.
Classical, piano, or even some binaural beats specifically for relaxation may be the perfect choice. Or a little more tongue-in-cheek, throw on an album by Panic at the Disco.
Consider adding some of these songs to a playlist that will help to bring a smile to the faces all around:
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
- Hunger by Florence + The Machine
- Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles
- I Got You (I Feel Good) By James Brown
- Sha la la (Make Me Happy) by Al Green
- Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Take Stock of Life
Make the day more personal by using it to slow down and take stock of all the things that pull at your time. It may be in your best interest to trim the list a bit.
Plan time for activities that will help you to let go of some of the stress in your life. Some activities that can help with this are exercise, mediation, massage, yoga, or taking time to relax and enjoy friends and family.
Start on that Hobby Again
Do you have a hobby that you haven’t had time to enjoy? Why not pick it up again? Remember what you loved about that hobby and make plans to enjoy it.
For those who don’t already have a hobby, this could be a great time to try something new that could become a hobby! Whether knitting, stamp collecting, painting or horseback riding, hobbies can assist in creating joy that sustains calm throughout difficult times.
Make Yourself a Priority
Some people like to end their day by reading a book that is purely for enjoyment. Others try to use the time between work and home as their alone time to let off the stress of the day.
Schedule in some “me-time” by getting a massage, going to a spa, enjoying an afternoon nap, indulging in a digital detox or going on a grown-up play date!
Watch a Panic-Themed Film
When celebrating Panic Day, it stands to reason that watching a film with a panic theme just makes sense. These might include:
- Panic Room (2002, starring Jodie Foster)
- A Town Called Panic (2009, French animation)
- Panic in the City (1968 starring Howard Duff)
- Panic (2014, starring David Gyasi)
Perform a Personal Concert in the Car
You have probably seen these people singing to the radio as they drive! When is the last time you just enjoyed life?
Sing along to a variety of the songs listed above, or choose another playlist that brings good vibes and happiness in order to combat those feelings of panic.
Panic Day can be a day to find a fun way to keep the panic away. Be mindful of what is going on in life, and remember that everyone needs time to relax and have fun as well. Try something new and have a great Panic Day!
History of Panic Day
When it comes to various holidays, many people may think of the ones that were created simply to celebrate the fun moments of life, which everyone loves. However, Panic Day was created as a day to recognize how stressful life can sometimes be, and then see what can be done to minimize the effects.
Everyone knows that stress is detrimental to the health and can even be dangerous! Stress can bring on illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
Some people respond to stress by having feelings of panic which can be debilitating. Panic can make a person feel that their fear cannot be overcome.
While this may not seem rational, the panic takes over and makes it difficult for the one stricken to be able to make rational choices. For those who feel that their fears and stress are overwhelming, Panic Day is the perfect day to make a step forward and reach out to a mental health professional.
Panic Day FAQs
What is the link between Panic Day and the Greek god Pan?
The word “panic” comes from Pan, the Greek god of the wild. His sudden, unexpected appearances often terrified travelers, leading to the term “panic.”
This connection makes Panic Day an interesting nod to ancient mythology and unexpected moments of fear.
Are there historical events associated with March 9 that tie to the Panic Day theme?
On March 9, 1976, the “March 9th blackout” occurred in New York City, causing widespread chaos. Though unrelated to the holiday, such events highlight how unexpected situations lead to collective panic.
Why do some people host “panic parties” for this holiday?
A quirky way to celebrate Panic Day is with “panic parties.” Guests participate in staged emergencies like mock fire drills or zombie outbreaks.
These playful scenarios provide a chance to laugh at life’s stressors while practicing teamwork and quick thinking.
Do any psychological studies relate to the idea behind Panic Day?
Psychologists note the therapeutic value of controlled stress exposure. Activities like mock drills or escape rooms, often used on Panic Day, mirror techniques in exposure therapy, helping people manage real-life anxieties.
How does Japan’s “screaming therapy” relate to Panic Day?
In Japan, “screaming therapy” allows participants to yell their frustrations in controlled spaces.
It aligns with Panic Day’s theme of releasing stress through unusual but effective methods.
How has Panic Day inspired creative art or media projects?
Panic Day has inspired theater groups to stage performances about managing stress or societal anxiety.
Art installations worldwide have also explored panic’s physical and emotional effects, bringing awareness to mental health.
What unusual myths surround Panic Day?
Some believe Panic Day is meant for mass hysteria or fear-mongering. This is false. The day encourages humor and creative outlets to manage stress, not amplify it.
Are there any unique games associated with Panic Day?
Escape room challenges and scavenger hunts with “crisis” themes are popular Panic Day activities. These games build teamwork while humorously simulating high-pressure scenarios.
Does Panic Day have any ties to popular phrases?
The phrase “Don’t Panic,” popularized by The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, fits Panic Day’s underlying humor. It reminds people to stay calm even in absurd situations.
How does Panic Day promote awareness of mental health?
By encouraging people to laugh at stress and openly discuss their worries, Panic Day helps reduce the stigma around mental health.
Events on this day often include stress-management workshops or mindfulness sessions.
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