When you become easily startled, your body becomes tense. Your brain is basically on high alert more often than it should be. This makes it easier to have a panic attack and an exaggerated startle response to everything. Mindfulness can help treat exaggerated startle response (especially if it’s a symptom of PTSD).
For many people, focusing on their reaction after they’ve become startled helps make them feel “normal” again. You’ve probably been told by people, “just try not to react” whenever you bring up your anxiety, but let’s face it, that’s pretty much impossible.
Instead of pretending not to react, what you can do is focus on your reaction and try to make yourself return to your normal state as quickly as possible. With the help of mindfulness exercises, such as yoga, meditation, breathing, etc., you can shift your focus to whatever you want. This will allow you to control your body and how you react to things or situations. When you begin to observe your surroundings instead of responding to them, you’ll be able to focus easier on tasks you’re doing, and you won’t become easily startled.
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