In moments of stress we want so desperately to be calm and the reality is if we can’t remain calm we are more likely to react in a way we may later regret. Stressful situations cause a state of hyperarousal or what is most often referred to as the flight or fight response.  As much as we want to handle stressful situations with dignity and grace it can be very difficult!

Knowing how to stay calm in stressful situations can help reduce our likelihood of saying or doing things we may feel ashamed or embarrassed about once the situation is over.  Staying calm can also reduce the chance of things escalating. It is super easy when things aren’t going the way we hoped, something pops into our inbox unexpectedly, or someone is pushing our buttons to become frazzled, overwhelmed and totally stressed!

I wanted to share some tips that will help you remain calm and handle situations of stress as gracefully as possible.

  • Before you snap at someone, melt down or start crying, take a few deep breaths! Try and centre yourself by breathing in through your nose, feel the breath fill your belly and your chest, then exhale. Repeat this at least 3-4 times.
  • If you can then remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible.
  • If you have received an upsetting text, or email that is making you angry, or just putting you under pressure then just walk away from your phone or computer for a few moments. It is better to reply when you are calmer.
  • If you are in a room with someone, just say I need a moment. Let them know you will come back to the conversation (or if it is really  bad, never come back again), and just go to the bathroom, or outside and centre yourself.
  • Don’t stay in a hostile situation. It is very hard to reason with someone who is not willing to listen, don’t waste your time if it is getting out of control.
  • We don’t always have to respond or react immediately. If you remove yourself and do something enjoyable, even watch a few funny youtube clips, or call a trusted friend before you re-eneter a stressful situation it will make a big difference.
  • Try a short mindfulness exercise, or just have a large glass of water.
  • Another great tip in moments of stress is to use a Grounding Technique, it helps bring you into the present moment and distract you from worrying.

bring attention to:

  • 5 things you can see
  • 4 things you can touch
  • 3 things you can hear
  • 2 things you can smell
  • 1 thing you can taste

Give it a go right now! It is always a good idea to give exercises like the one above a go whilst you are calm, practice this technique and also mindfulness meditation whilst calm, and then when situations of stress arrive you will feel more prepared.

Remember that you are trying to bring some calmness and awareness into moments that you would usually feel frazzled by so the more you practice these techniques, the easier you will find it to calm your mind and act with the dignity you want to when stress arises.

Let me know your thoughts by leaving me a comment below,

thanks for joining me, love Mac xx

PS: Don’t forget to come by Instagram and tag your pics with #livingfearlesslyauthentic