relaxation techniques

hello
i've been inside my house due to physical illness for the past two days and am about to go out. i was diagnosed with anxiety years ago but recently its been picking up in severity and i've been experiencing tension pains and stomach aches that i had before i was prescribed effexor. upon making plans for tonight i was hit with a bout of anxiety that doesn't seem to be subsiding.
does anyone have any ideas for simple relaxation techniques ? i was taught progressive muscle relaxation for sleeping problems as well as breathing exercises but deep breaths aren't quite helping at the moment
thanks, jacqui

[jakegorzen]

From my personal experience, I've noticed that "deep" breaths just make me worse, because it makes my attention solely on my breathing which in return drives my anxious state higher.
But Ive noticed the "proper" breaths work better, in means to "regular" breaths
I also like "visual" meditation
I picture myself in a ball of blue light that protects me from everything, and I float around looking at everything, observing and gaining insight, or I'll stare at a candle and become "one" with the flame, seems to work alright.
Also there is a program called "tapping" that works through acupressure and vocal commands, just google Tapping, and it'll bring you to the site, it doesnt work all the time, but will "trance" you out a bit, and you might find it beneficial.
are you on any other medicines?