Try the Nam Myoho Rengi Kyo buddhist chant. I light a candle and use prayer beads to keep count. I reflect on the meaning of the chant as I sing it (which is very powerful, so definitely research it). I'll do it for up to 15min at a time.
Personally, I've also found relief from anxiety from singing cherokee prayers/songs too. But uplifting repetitive chant sung (not just spoken) itself is the key. It's very soothing and causes your breathing to be deep with slow exhale and rhythmic which has an effect on the brain to stimulate "good chemicals". Doing it at least once a day (especially right when you wake up) is a great way to set your day off right in a good state of mind and calmness.
I have GAD (general anxiety disorder) due to a heart valve defect (MVP) so I will never get rid of it, I can only find ways to control it. I refuse to use medication for it, it's my body and I'm the master of my body! The mind is a powerful thing, we have to take control of it, or it will take control of us. Don't forget that, you're in control.
A trick that I learned is to close your eyes, deep breathe and picture yourself sitting in a large baby blue room. This color is often used in psychiatric wards and some hospitals will also put a baby blue cushioned headboard around patients when they are having anxiety attacks. Hope it helps you! :)
I have a question for panic attacks as well. I don't have it, but if I wanted to do something to help another who does, does anyone know how to go about it? My boyfriend has anxiety attacks... He doesn't believe that it can be overcome and that it is more than just his mind. He doesn't suffer from anything else nor has anything traumatic happen in his pass that is too severe, so I know it's mostly in his mind. He just won't see it...
Rather than trying to find different means to control panic attacks, you should do the most obvious thing. Have him talk to a psychologist. It's a psychological issue which is quite common. There's nothing wrong in going to a psychologist for help. It doesn't mean the patient is crazy. They just need to resolve their issues.