Quick Calming Tips
Frazzled, hectic, about to blow
your stack? We’ve all been there. Here are five quick ways to calm yourself in
any situation.
1) Deep Breathing, it’s a Gas
Why is this such a common
recommendation? Because it works. Scientists have linked high blood pressure to
the way we breathe. By slowing down our breathing we purposefully manipulate
our blood vessels to temporarily relax and dilate.
Count to five as you inhale, hold
for a five count, and then count to five again as you exhale. Do this three to
five times for an immediate impact.
2) Write Your Stress Down
Anxiety about an interview,
confrontation or event can become overwhelming. Many times our stress is
created by over thinking or worry. By writing down your concerns, you take away
the power of a runaway imagination.
No matter how silly the thought
is, or how frightening, list them on a piece of paper. Read through and cross
out anything you feel prepared to handle. Focus on those items left and
brainstorm possible, positive responses. Often, it’s the fear of the unknown
that creates the anxiety and with a game plan, your confidence, and calm, will
rise.
3) Exercise your Worries Away
There’s nothing like a good
endorphin rush to brighten your day. Regular exercise is not only physically
good for you, but spiritually as well. Studies show that confidence and
optimism increase as people begin a daily regimen of exercise.
Tai Chi and Yoga are exceptional
choices to combat stress and once you’ve mastered the different techniques,
you’ll be able to draw on them during an anxiety crisis. Taking a few minutes
away from the cause of your stress and flexing your exercise muscle will allow
you to return centered and fresh.
4) Learn to Smile
We have all heard the saying
“Laughter is the best medicine.” But smiling has also proven to be a quick way
to get your happy on. Research has shown that smiling has a direct impact on
our physiological state. The act of smiling slows your heart and breathing rate
while generating immediate feelings of happiness.
When in a confrontational
situation where you need to keep your head, a smile will keep your stack from
blowing.
5) Become an Imagery Magician
Our mind’s eye can be our best
friend, or our worst enemy. If you find yourself imagining the worst possible
scenario, or stuck in a stressful rut, purposefully tuning in to a more calming
image may be just what the moment ordered.
Positive thinking often sounds
trite and near impossible if we hear it during high stress, but through
deliberate practice, we can build a storehouse of calming imagery to draw upon
when the need arises. Choose a favorite image, such as a happy memory, a
planned vacation, or the visualization of a dream or goal coming true. When the
going gets tough, wave your magic image and make the stressful thoughts
disappear.
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