How To Calm Yourself Down in Stressful Situations

When faced by a stressful situation what can we do?

The ideas below, are practical and can be used in emergencies or when you realize that you have been carrying a low level of stress for a while. We'll explore several ways that are easy and practical.

First, what does the body do when it is stressed and how can I identify low-level stress?

We need to be aware of how the body responds to stress, because if we can catch it before it 'takes us over,' it is much easier to 'tame.'

  PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNS OF STRESS

 When we find ourselves in a stressful situation we often find that we:

1.  Begin to breathe more rapidly. Our body is getting the 'fight and flight' response ready so that we can escape the danger.

 2.  We find our heart pumps faster to give us more blood for our fight or flight; we might get heart palpitations, chest pains or begin to feel flushed. Our heart is giving all it has to help us in our flight. 

3.  Our blood pressure increases to pump more blood into our body so that we can run or fight. We might get a headache or pressure in our head.

 4.  We feel tight, anxious, nervous, or irritable. The hormone Cortisol begins to rush through our body getting us ready for flight or fight. This pushes towards all the organs and cells to 'get ready.'
Too much stress on a daily basis, will cause us to suffer early aging and illness, which is what long-term stress can do to us.

We can do something about it.

Using tools and techniques, we can turn stress into transformation.

Below are some ideas to help in 'transforming stress.'  Use them often; write them on a sticky note and keep them with you until they become a habit.

It is noted it takes around 28 days to make a new habit.

  HOW TO CALM YOURSELF DOWN AFTER A STRESSFUL SITUATION

 1.  Take three deep breaths and let them out slowly.

 2.  Now clasp or squeeze your hands and feet tightly, then release the pressure, slowly.

 3.  Put the corners of your lips up into a fake smile, and do #1 again.

 4.  Take a walk or exercise. Nature helps to cut stress, as do animals, or the sound of birds. If you have a pet, hug your cat or dog as they will love it and it can seriously cut down your level of stress. Just listening to the birds outside can lessen your stress level if you focus strictly on the sound of their singing and block out all other noises.

 5.  Take an Epsom salt or sea salt bath, or put some lavender oil in the water and relax with deep breathing.

 6.  Whistle, sing, or listen to your favorite soothing music, as music can change your mood almost instantly.

 7.  Call a friend and chat about something fun or reminisce.

 8.  Give thanks for ten things in your life.

 9.  Question the thoughts that are in your head and analyze if they are truly rational.

Stress can make our life feel so difficult, as if its so much of a struggle, but using these ideas can make a significant change to your life, if your use them regularly.

If you would like more information on combating stress, download the 

free eBook called, "Coping With Stress"

CLICK HERE

Kim Halerwich-Clark is a Certified NLP Practitioner and Life Coach, as well as, the author of seven personal development books. Kim is an Instructor on Udemy where she teaches a variety of topics to students all around the globe.

She is the Founder of The Solution Wizard Company that is dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming challenges that face society every day.