Quick Ways to Calm Down Fast
By Stepy Kamei
We all try our best to keep a cool head when life gets a little hectic or stressful. After all, upsetting situations are, unfortunately, pretty much unavoidable at some point or another. It's all too easy to fall into a downward spiral of negative emotions once you're set off by something. That's why it's so important to make sure you have a reliable set of coping skills and mechanisms at hand that you can count on when you need them in a moment of high tension, stress, or anxiety. Keep on reading to pick up some helpful tips on how to keep your cool and stay calm in highly charged situations.
Focus on Deep, Slow Breathing
When we get stressed or anxious, it's easy to start hyperventilating without even realizing it. Breathing rapidly and shallowly can actually cause a physiological response in your body that can lead to uncomfortable feelings of dizziness, nausea, and brain fog. This is why it's important to remember to breathe deeply and slowly, especially when you feel particularly riled up about something. Take a moment to breathe mindfully in the face of strong feelings before you start to spiral downward.
Question Your Thoughts
When dealing with a frustrating situation, your thoughts may rapidly go to the worst case scenario. If this happens, know that you can question and even challenge these thoughts. Ask yourself how likely the worst case scenario is to actually happen. Take a moment to reflect on whether you've gone through this experience before, and remind yourself that you've gotten through tough times in the past.
Find a Safe and Productive Outlet
There are many different ways in which you can release any anger, sadness, stress, or frustration you may be feeling. Sometimes, going for a walk or a run and releasing the feelings through physical motion can make a big difference in calming down. Others find that utilizing a creative outlet, such as writing, drawing, or painting, can be a safe and soothing activity to indulge in.
For more long-term habits to engage in, consider joining a yoga class, or trying out a guided meditation session. Many people find that maintaining these types of healthy habits can make a lasting impact on how calmly they walk through the day.
Hopefully you can take some of these suggestions and find them useful for your daily life! Be sure to speak with a mental healthcare professional if you feel you're having a difficult time processing your emotions or your response to stressors.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in College Station, Tex.