I first learned that chewing gum might stop a full-blown panic attack while I was on a crowded Mumbai local train. In situations where stress is unavoidable, having some quick anxiety fixes available, like this can be incredibly helpful. Stuck between sweaty people on the train, my pulse raced and my breath came in short spurts.
The walls of the train appeared to close in on me, and I was on the verge of hyperventilation when I remembered the peppermint gum in my pocket.
I put it in my mouth, and after a few minutes, something changed. The strong minty taste and the steady chewing helped me forget about the terror that was making me feel like I was going to die.
I found one of my best short anxiety relievers that day, and I haven’t left the house without gum since.
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Why “Just Breathe” Doesn’t Always Help (And What Does)
We’ve all heard the beneficial advice, “Just take deep breaths!” or “Calm down!” But when you’re anxious, you can’t think straight. You can’t rest because your body is in fight-or-flight mode.
That’s where fast remedies for anxiety, such as having several quick and reliable anxiety fixes, come in. You don’t battle the terror; you change its direction. Chewing provides your nervous system something to do with its body, which breaks the cycle of terror. It’s not magic; it’s science.
How Chewing Gum – quick anxiety fixes
My Favorite Quick Way to Calm Down
1. The Science Behind Why Gum Works
Studies demonstrate that chewing gum can:
Lower cortisol, which is the hormone that causes stress.
Help with concentration by increasing blood flow to the brain.
Give regular movement, which calms the nervous system.
This is the most effective quick remedy for my anxiety, as it is so subtle that no one is aware I am using it to prevent a panic attack during a business meeting.
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2. The Flavor Trick That Reboots My Brain
Not every gum does the same thing. I think strong, minty smells like peppermint or eucalyptus work best since they
Get my senses going and bring me out of my thoughts.
This sensation makes me feel cooler, which acts as a tiny “reset” for my nervous system. Indeed, a quick fix for anxiety can be as simple as focusing on the flavor.
I bought a pack of cinnamon gum from a kiosk during a particularly stressful moment in a crowded mall. The strong spice stunned my body just enough to stop the panic loop.
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3. The Jaw-Tension Release – quick anxiety fixes
When we experience anxiety, we often clench our jaws without even realizing it. When I chew gum, my jaw has to move instead of locking up, which relieves stress.
It’s like a little massage for my stress, and I don’t even have to go to the spa.
4. The Small Distraction
One of my biggest fears was experiencing a panic attack in front of others. But gum is like an unseen safety net for me.
When I’m at a job interview, on a date, or delayed in traffic, chewing gum offers me something to focus on. People don’t realize I’m using it to calm down; they simply think I’m brushing my teeth.
1. The job interview – quick anxiety fixes
That almost broke me was a real-life moment when gum saved me.
I stepped into an interview for my dream job last year and felt my chest constrict right away. My hands shook, and I couldn’t think of anything. But there was gum in my purse.
In a few minutes, my breathing improved after I discreetly put a small amount in my mouth. I got the job, and I think chewing gum helped me stay calm.
2. The Wedding Where I Almost Left
The loud music and packed surroundings during my cousin’s wedding made me anxious. I didn’t run away to the restroom; instead, I chewed gum and thought about how it tasted.
It provided me just enough steadiness to remain and enjoy the party.
Other quick ways to calm down that go well with gum
Gum is my favorite thing to use, but these quick cures for anxiety work much better when used together:
✅ A spray of cold water (triggers the diving reflex)
✅ 5-4-3-2-1 grounding (concentrate on your senses)
✅ A textured item in your pocket (such a stress ball or worry stone)
What I wish I had known about anxiety earlier – quick anxiety fixes
I used to think that having panic episodes meant I was weak. I realize now that anxiety is merely my body’s warning mechanism being oversensitive. Things like gum don’t “cure” anxiety; they only help me get through the storm until my nervous system settles down.
If you’re struggling, keep some gum handy. Try a strong taste first and see if it helps. And please keep in mind that healing doesn’t mean never feeling worried. It’s about knowing what to do when you’re anxious.
Have you ever tried chewing gum to help with anxiety? What do you do to solve things quickly? Please share in the comments! 💬
