The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday CourageHardcover

If you’re struggling with anxiety/panic attacks, I highly recommend this book. There is a section in the book dedicated to it and it’s been a lifesaver for me. I developed anxiety/panic attacks about six months ago, felt totally out of control of the situation, and was starting to get depressed over it.

I was aware of Mel Robbins but I didn't realize to put the 5 Second Rule together to combat anxiety until I came across a Youtube video of how she used the rule to get over her own struggles with anxiety. I cleared out a lot of the past issues that was holding me down, and I felt like I should be in a better place. However, I still felt anxious and the panic attacks were still happening (those brain patterns had set in) and it was starting to get worse.

Prior, I have tried everything from letting the 'feelings' of anxiousness go away on its own, went to therapy sessions, staying 'calm', and tried other 'tricks' and I never felt empowered in any of those situations and it was also temporary wins before the anxiety would grip my life again. Having anxiety as a constant state of mind was unacceptable to me, but I didn’t know how to break the cycle for good.

After I heard Mel speak about how she overcame her anxiety/panic attacks with this simple tool, I bought her book immediately. It's been about ten days since I started to implement the rule to combat anxiety and I will most likely update several months later down the road. I have to be honest, I was a bit skeptical about the 5 Second Rule being effective for anxiety. So far it's pulled me out of the last dark cloud I was experiencing in a relatively short time. Most importantly, I am in control and that makes me feel empowered. This was the answer I was looking for. A simple, easy to remember tool, that is highly effective not only with anxiety but in all areas of my life.

You are going to use the 5 Second Rule a lot, throughout the day. I repeated this about 30-50 times (maybe even more) for the first week. I probably use the rule about 20 times a day in my day to day life about 2 weeks into using the rule. I also used this rule in social settings with great success. I was able to be in the present moment and be engaged with the conversation I was having with people. I am very optimistic and hopeful, feelings I haven’t felt for the last six months.

UPDATE: I still use this rule but less so for my anxiety (anxiety and I like acquaintances than best buddies now). I've been using it more as a motivational tool to procrastinate less on tasks I don't 'feel' like doing. It still works great!