Don't panic - March 9th is Panic Day!

Do you have a major deadline coming up? Is your to-do list growing so fast you can’t keep up? Is the boss hounding you no matter how hard you work? Are you living paycheck to paycheck and having a hard time getting by?

If you’re feeling a little stressed out lately, no worries. Today is Panic Day! This annual “holiday” is observed every year on March 9, just one day after the annual Be Nasty Day ‘holiday.”

Many Americans are overworked, stressed out and underpaid. Unfortunately, panic and stress are just part of our everyday lives. While some stress is normal, prolonged stress can lead to a variety of problems including panic attacks.

According to Dictionary.com., panic is defined as a:

"Sudden overwhelming fear, with or without cause, that produces hysterical or irrational behavior, and that often spreads quickly through a group of persons or animals."

Many people suffer from panic attacks, sudden, intense feelings of terror that occur without warning. Panic attacks can be terrifying and can happen when you least expect it – while you are driving, asleep or at work. Once you’ve experienced a panic attack, the fear of having another one only adds to the stress.

Panic Day serves as an important reminder to folks to slow down. Breathe! Take a long, nice walk and de-

stress. And don’t worry – there is another Panic Day just in case you need it. International Panic Day is coming up in June. March 9 also celebrates a real doll!