Adamo,

If you feel uncomfortable with the rate of reduction your doctor is calling for, please, let him or her know that. You have already done a 0.5 reduction I think on your own. If you experienced significant symptoms with that, it is something you should talk to the doctor about. You should also discuss any general fears you have about going too quickly. If your doctor is unsupportive, then please find a doctor who is sensitive to your concerns and your needs.

About the exercise, if it is making you uncomfortable, it would probably be best to back off on it. That pretty much applies in general, not just to exercise. Do not force yourself to do something because it "should" be helpful, if instead, it is making things worse for you. Listen to your body, and if something isn't working for you, then take a different route.

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Please look into anxiety management techniques. There are lots of cognitive, behavioral, and simply physical techniques which can be helpful. An easy physical one to get you started.....

* Belly breathing*
This is also called abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing.

1. Here is a video which illustrates the technique very well.

The speaker does a demonstration on both chest breathing which is what most Western society adults do, as compared to belly breathing, so you can see the difference. She also gives basic instructions and explains some of the mechanical benefits. Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_4E_QoDRSQ

2. Here is another video I found useful, which is more of a tutorial.

The speaker includes specific instructions (timing and counts) for using belly breathing for meditative/hypnotic purposes or for acute anxiety attacks. Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIQxES-DsIQ

I would also suggest, for optimal results in case of acute onset of symptoms, to do the breathing lying down as shown in the other video, or sitting crosslegged or otherwise comfortably (but not slouched). After the 5-6 repetitions of the slow count, I'd also suggest to continue just breathing and focusing on the breath for 5 to 15 minutes.

Note that the actual technique of breathing into your belly can be used at any time and in any position once you learn how to do it, and the timing will be that of your normal breathing if you are not trying to manage an acute attack. Babies breathe this way naturally all the time, and so do some adults who have not "unlearned" it.

Take care of yourself.

waves