Nearly everyone thinks they’re the picture of humility, tolerance and indifference until something strikes the right nerve. Maybe it was something your boss said or the idea of trying something you have never done before.
When we hear someone tell us to calm down, we only hear we’re hysterical and overreacting. This only serves to egg the anger or panic on.
Is that what we mean here? Of course not!
Getting yourself to calm down and relax is about being the self you want to be without the fight-or-flight response rewriting it. If you’re not good with other people trying to force you back to a state of tranquility then read on.
Here are seven things you can use to soothe those stressful feelings yourself.
Take a Break
Often the best thing you can do is remove yourself from the immediate area that’s causing you so much discomfort. If you’re able, step out of the building and expose yourself to the scenery of a nice walk.
Also, do some people watching to get your mind off things. If you’re not in a place where you can physically remove yourself take a mental break instead.
By redirecting your thoughts away from the disturbance and toward a happy memory or pleasant feeling, such as your favorite family vacation or sitting in the backyard soaking up the sun.
Journal
Are you a fan of the pen and page? Well then, grab your journal or a scrap of paper and write!
Expressing yourself through the written word is an excellent way to separate yourself from the situation so you can see it objectively instead. Once you’ve got it all out on paper, you’ll be able to face the circumstances in a professional and grounded manner if needed.
Music
There has to be at least one song, one album that can bring your back to yourself. Music has the power to affect your mood for better or for worse.
Turn up the tunes that will give you the positive motivation to overcome or face the circumstances you’re in the middle of.
Try to avoid anything that will increase or prolong your anger or fear.
Yoga
Putting your body into motion is a great way to push the negative feelings out of your body. Activities like yoga are made for this.
Use it to check in with your body and your emotions, then recenter yourself before stepping off the mat. Other physical activities like running or cycling work, too. However, follow the same advice as with music: avoid activities that potentially can increase aggression.
Talk to Someone
Did your coworker witness the display? Does your best friend know how anxious you can get?
Take an aside to talk over the details with someone who can be sympathetic to the situation. Having someone available who can understand what you experienced and how it made you feel is a great reminder you don’t have to endure it alone.
A great friend or coworker can also discuss ways to get past the incident and remind you, you are not powerless against the emotions you are feeling.
Nature
Separate your mind from the constant buzzing of your phone and computer and instead connect with nature. Observing the wind through the trees outside your window, or the sun on the mountains will prompt your body’s rhythms to slow down and match what you’re seeing.
Let it Go
Right now you might be thinking, “But I can’t let it go!” Then recognize your body is in the middle of reacting.
Instead of trying to cut it off, you’ll need to let it run its course. Primarily, because sometimes the only way to resolve those feelings is to go through them.
Conclusion
These methods are excellent for the everyday mental conflicts you may experience, but they can also be used to help with physical or medical conditions or those who need chronic care management. Not all methods work for everyone, so find out which work best for you.
Find out why this is the last article you’ll need to read on stress management.
