Ann,
Try concentrating on your breathing instead of your pulse. It will give you something else to focus on and will lower your heart rate. Also allows you to exhert some control over your body and anxiety.
Breath in through your nose, counting 1,2,3,
Breath out through your mouth, counting 1,2,3,
Breath in & out as deeply and slowly as you can. Do this ten times, longer if needed.
Hope this helps,
Danielle
___________________________
The SSC Support Team
