There's no question that anxiety and panic attacks are one of the worst experiences anyone can go through in their lives. The feelings of distress, loss of control and even dying are a nightmare for anyone who has had them. If you find yourself in the beginning stages of a panic attack you can try some of these diversion tactics to end the attack.

1. Cold Water - Try splashing your face with cold water. It will cause your brain to tell your body to slow down and regain control.

2. Get physical - Slap your face a few times and dance around to confuse your mind and create a distraction.

3. Turn up the music - Turn on some music and crank up the volume. You can even begin singing along to it. this diverts attention away from the thoughts that are creating the anxiety and panic attacks.

4. Create distractions - If you can distract your mind away from its current state, you can eliminate the attacks in many cases. Count backwards from 50, turn on the TV, listen to music, etc.

5. Walk - Get up and start walking. Don't just sit there.

6. Get on the phone - If you feel a panic attack coming on while you're alone, get on the phone and call a friend. Talk about anything but your anxiety.

7. Talk to yourself - Speak out things such as this is not going to hurt me; this is nothing to be concerned with, etc. What this does is eliminate the power of any attack or bout of anxiety.

8. Eat - Grab an apple or banana and eat it. You may not feel hungry, but this helps to distract your mind.

You can do 2-3 or even more of these diversions at the same time if you want. They will help if you will put them into action.