If your heart is racing, the best thing to do is to take a few moments to pause and assess the situation. First, take a few deep breaths to help slow your heart rate and reduce your body's stress response. Then, check in with yourself and ask, "What is causing my heart to race?" It may be due to a physical cause, such as exercise or anxiety, or a mental cause, such as fear or worry.
If the racing is due to physical causes, such as exercise, take a few moments to rest and allow your heart rate to slow. If the racing is due to mental causes, such as fear or worry, try to identify the source of the emotion and then take steps to address it. For example, if you are feeling anxious, practice deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, or other relaxation techniques. You can also talk to a trusted friend or family member about the source of your racing heart.
If the racing persists despite taking these steps, or if you experience any other worrisome symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it's important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying medical conditions.