How to stay calm: 8 foolproof techniques
Calm is the virtue of the strong, everyone knows that.
However, there are moments of crisis, personal or general, that put a strain on our ability to control and manage emotions, especially when it comes to anger, anxiety and fear.
In certain situations, panicking is really easy and our body is "induced" into this status: in fact, according to a study by the Yale University, stress and anxiety are two absolutely necessary emotions, but prolonged stress would damage irreversibly the area of the brain responsible for our self-control.
For this reason, we must try to dominate negative feelings and learn to remain calm, especially in a complicated period like this, marked by the Coronavirus emergency. There are exercises and simple techniques to follow in order to be able to manage emotions and do not let yourself be overwhelmed. Just as, sometimes, with little you can strengthen your self-esteem:
1. Be grateful for what you have
We are so used to wanting more and more and complaining constantly that we often lose focus on what we have. And what we have, many times, is already a lot.
A study by the University of California has shown how people who work daily to cultivate an attitude of gratitude find a marked improvement in mood, energy and physical well-being.
So, the first step is to appreciate the little-big things that surround us: a job that gives you the opportunity to live peacefully, some good friends and maybe a rethink of some pleasant moments lived, such as a "great evening with friends or a trip important, they are already a reason for joy and tranquility. Always keep this in mind!
When thinking that you are about to explode has become a constant, sit back and take note of all the good things you have and can accomplish: focus on what's positive in your life and on something you enjoy.
2. Change your perspective and think positively
The second one step it connects directly to the first on gratitude. It is known that successful people do not allow themselves to be influenced by the constant question "what if ...?". In fact, if you ask yourself this question from time to time, it can be a source of stimulus and incentive, but, otherwise, it does not other than feeding stress and worry. Every time you make a decision things can go in an "infinity of different ways and" the important thing is to stay focused on the outcome, not on all possibilities. Also, banish all kinds of pessimistic statements, such as " everything's going wrong "or" I'll never make it ".
To stay calm, stay focused and think positively, which is key to reducing negative emotions, such as stress and anger. You will discover how positive thoughts can affect the state not only of your mind, but of your whole body.
3. Disconnect from the outside world
Being focused on a goal all the time is stimulating, but it doesn't help make stress an intermittent state of mind. In fact, being available for everything and for everyone 24 hours a day and 7 days a week is not only counterproductive to lowering the level of anxiety, but you would not even be able to always be at your best. Therefore, at least on weekends and holidays, "switch off": disconnect for a few hours from social networks, from your personal mailbox and from the office, and do not consider the telephone. Take care of yourself by doing something that you likes it and does not follow any rules: sing, paint or play sports, the alternatives are truly endless.These moments just for you will help you in the following days not to lose control of negative emotions and to stay calm.
4. Physical activity: for the body and for the mind
As already mentioned, sport helps to release tension. In fact, physical activity is an excellent ally during stressful situations or in which we are dominated by anger. It helps us to shift focus, to tire and relax, to increase the serotonin level, improving our mood. If running, swimming or dancing are not your thing, you can also consider disciplines that combine physical and mental exercises. We are talking about yoga, Tai Chi or moving meditation, which are both relaxing and energizing. This way, you will be able to stay fit and also in tune with your body.
5. Breathe
Never take breathing for granted. It may seem strange, but a great help against stress and anger is just knowing how to breathe correctly. When you feel that worry and negative thoughts are getting the better of you, take control of that seemingly difficult situation by giving yourself a few minutes to breathe. First sit down and close your eyes, then you can concentrate on your breathing: your mind doesn't have to go anywhere else, it doesn't have to think about anything else. It has to stay focused on inhaling and exhaling, to be alternated every 20 seconds. it is called "mindful breathing" and is essential for managing anxiety and negativity while staying calm.
6. Rest
No person can ever be in a situation of calm and serenity if he sacrifices the hours necessary for sleep. Sleeping is essential for staying in control and increasing your emotional intelligence. During sleep, your brain "recharges" and allows you to wake up ready to face the rest of the day. This is because, if you don't get enough rest, not only will your body be exhausted but also your attention and self-control. Often, in fact, sleep deprivation increases the levels of the stress hormone, creating an endless cycle that makes it harder and harder to fall asleep and sleep peacefully. Therefore, never give up the hours of sleep that your body requires.
7. "No man is an" island "
So wrote the poet John Donne, because no person was born to be alone, isolated. Even if we are forced to stay indoors at this time due to the Coronavirus, this does not mean that we have to confine ourselves without having contact with the outside. Technology offers you the means to continue hearing from your family and friends, that they are always of great help when you feel that you can no longer control your feelings or are struggling with a difficult situation.
In general, in fact, to keep calm it is necessary to let off steam with someone. Talk, free your emotions, explain how you feel and ask for help from those you trust most: because only by confronting yourself and letting your guard down, will you be able to reduce the level of stress, anxiety or anger that grips you. Cultivating a social life reduces loneliness and boosts self-esteem.
8. Learn to wait
Growing up means learning to listen and understand when we need time. In the hectic everyday life, where difficulties and problems often seem to accumulate relentlessly, it is essential to take a moment for yourself and put these tips into practice. The result will not always be immediate: at first, you may not be able to counteract anxiety or anger with positive thoughts or to stay focused on your breath for the necessary minutes. The important thing is to give yourself time: with the continuous stimuli we receive from the outside, we have learned, unfortunately, to favor others more than ourselves and our needs, with the inevitable consequence of "exploding", sooner or later, not knowing more how to handle all emotions. So, give yourself time, wait for tomorrow and practice these 8 foolproof techniques to stay calm. We bet it will get better?
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