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
14 comments
These tips are undoubtedly useful but sadly I can’t stop my emotions from getting the better of me .
Great tips Hun. I am getting better at staying calm at the time but afterwards I replay the confrontation over and over again and drive myself mad 😠
There are some good tips here. I particularly like the bit where you say “It is very hard to reason with someone who is not willing to listen.” This is something I struggle with. It infuriates me when someone isn’t willing to listen which often makes situations worse. #ablogginggoodtime
These are really good tips. I don’t think I take enough time in the day just to reflect. Your list of things to think about is very useful. #ablogginggoodtime
Some great tips! Thank you. I haven’t heard of the grounding tips before so these will get put into practise soon.
#ablogginggoodtime
Definitely pinning for later!!! #abloggingoodtime
The mind is the greatest weapon for and against us and it does need trying. Thanks for this. #ablogginggoodtime
That’s something for me! I have too many stressful situations right now, especially at work:/
#ablogginggoodtime
Stepping away for a while and deep breathing are my go to techniques. I’ve never heard of the grounding technique before though and just gave it a quick go. When I’m stressing about things coming up I always try to bring it back to now and focus only on what is true in that very moment and this grounding exercise is perfect for that x
#Ablogginggoodtime
Great ideas. I think stepping away getting some perspective and some time are the best things to do. I think time is one of the best healers in any situations #ablogginggoodtime
This is such good advice. Taking myself out of the situation and giving myself space to take a few deep breaths before responding often works well for me. I like the suggestions for grounding yourself – will have to remember these. #ablogginggoodtime
i could do with these. especially when I am tired xx
thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime
These are some fab tips, the countdown is a great distraction and no doubt helps without you focusing on it too much! #ablogginggoodtime
I really need to try to step back from situations and give myself time to think and regroup #ablogginggoodtime
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