Daily · Sep 24, 2026 · Body cue

What to do during a panic attack: soften your jaw

Help My Attacks · Today’s tool

Calm reminder to soften your jaw and unclench your fists during a panic attack

When panic hits, the body often braces without asking you. Teeth press. Fists curl. Shoulders climb. That holding pattern keeps the alarm system humming even when nothing dangerous is happening.

Softening the jaw and opening the hands is a small cue that you are not fighting a tiger. You can stand down a little — even if your heart is still loud.

Try soften your jaw

Notice your teeth. Are they pressed together?
Let your jaw hang slightly. Let the tongue rest easy.
Open your hands. Uncurl the fingers.
Drop your shoulders half an inch if you can.

You do not have to feel calm yet. One soft jaw is enough of a start. This peak can pass.

For more free tools, keep our coping tools nearby.

We are peer support, not medical advice. In the U.S., call or text 988 if you are in crisis.

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