3 Habits That Can Help Calm Your Nerves
By Genevieve Cunningham
Our nerves are a funny thing. Some people seem to have nerves of steel. Nothing ever bothers them, and everything rolls off their back. Others aren't so lucky. They feel things a little more deeply, perhaps, and their nerves stay on edge. But here's the good news: Even if you easily feel out of sorts, there are plenty of ways to calm your nerves and keep yourself mentally and emotionally well. If you need some quick trips for calming down and feeling at peace, take a look at these three little habits to keep in your reserve.
Choose a Coping, Calming Technique
There are a ton of things that you can do to calm yourself in the moment. All you really have to do is choose one and then stick with it. Try counting to 10 slowly and deliberately. Try saying the alphabet backward. Try deep breaths and a mantra. Try one or try them all, and then choose the one that works best. When you begin to feel overwhelmed or out of control, use your calming mechanism, and you can keep your emotions under control.
Quiet Time
For some people, shutting out the outside noise is the key to finding a bit of calm. Create a space in your home that is free of distraction. A place that's quiet and comfortable. A place that makes you feel instantly relaxed. This might be a bedroom, a living space, or even a closet. When you need a quick recharge, spend some time in your designated space. You can pray, meditate, read, or just soak in a little silence. If separation is key for your emotional well-being, this is a great option.
Massage Your Hands and Wrists
Tension hides in the body. A lot of times, it hides in the spine creating neck and back pain. But tension can also collect in the hands and wrists. If you're out and about and need a little peace, try massaging your hands and wrists. Do it slowly. Dig deep into the muscles and joints. Many find this to be incredibly relaxing, and it literally releases tension in the body. If you like a hands-on technique for handling your problems, this little tip can do wonders.
It's important to stay calm as much as we can. When we allow our emotions to get the best of us, it not only harms our mental health, but it can also raise blood pressure and weaken the immune system. Use these tips to bring a little peace and calm into your life, and you'll soon see benefits that really can't be beat.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santa Monica, Calif.