Fainting fear. Vasovagal syncope, the official term for that charming tendency to faint when stressed or overwhelmed. Crowds, enclosed spaces, intense emotions – all potential fainting triggers for me. Facing a large crowd felt less like a social event and more like a medical gamble. Concerts, conferences, even crowded grocery stores – each felt like a potential faint-fest waiting to happen.
Then, I learned the “Applied Tension” technique. Basically, tensing and relaxing muscles to keep blood pressure up and prevent fainting. Sounds weird, but it works. Before entering a crowd, I’d discreetly tense my leg muscles, arm muscles, even my butt (excellent party trick, unseen!). It was like a silent, internal workout designed to keep me upright.
The technique wasn’t foolproof, but it was empowering. It gave me a sense of control, a physical action to combat the overwhelming feeling of faint-fear. Applied Tension became my secret weapon against crowd-induced collapse. It’s not about loving crowds, but surviving them without hitting the floor. And sometimes, a little muscle clenching is all you need to stay standing. Party like nobody’s watching…or fainting.