Overview

• Roughly 300,000 people packed the Theresienwiese over the weekend, with periods when the flow of people stalled completely.
• Anxiety in such crowd standstills affects thoughts, the body, perception and behavior, and reframing to “unpleasant, not dangerous” can help.
• A paced-breathing method of inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six, plus small movements like relaxing shoulders or feeling foot contact, can steady nerves.
• Grounding techniques include fixing the gaze on a neutral point such as a tree or sign, or counting neutral items like green objects or clouds.
• To help others, validate feelings, ask how to assist, breathe together, project calm with eye contact and clear instructions, and plan ahead by avoiding peak times, using the online visit barometer, considering the less crowded Oidn Wiesn, taking breaks, setting a signal with companions, and leaving early if needed.