7 Ways to Stay Calm in Any Stressful Situation

According to the American Journal of Psychiatry and Mental Health, losing your temper can be more harmful than beneficial. It can disrupt the balance of cortisol, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the body’s stress response. On the other hand, staying calm promotes clear thinking and effective problem-solving.

Here are 7 tips to help you stay calm in stressful situations:

1. Take deep breaths

Breathing exercises are one of the best ways to alleviate anxiety and stress. When you find yourself in a stressful situation, take deep breaths to calm and center yourself. Try taking slow, deep breaths. Hold your breath for 5 seconds and then exhale. Repeat this several times. It will bring about a sense of peace and relaxation.

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2. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly

According to Lifehack, this method not only teaches patience but also has a very effective weight loss effect. Eating in a rush only causes you to eat more than necessary and can lead to obesity. The best way to cultivate patience is to eat slowly and savor the taste of the food.

3. Be honest

If you feel like losing your calmness, tell the other person that you need time to process the situation before discussing the current issue. Don’t just assume you’re right. Don’t let that feeling take over. Try to understand the other side. Deal with the stress in a way that you can be proud of instead of being ashamed.

4. Listen to music

Try listening to your favorite music. Listening to music can help relax your body and mind.

Research shows that music helps the brain reduce pain, relieve stress, and enhance memory. Relaxing music helps you reduce noradrenaline (stress hormone) and makes you feel calm and comfortable.

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A small note is that when you’re not in a good mood, avoid choosing sad music because it can deepen your sadness and make it harder to break free from negative thoughts.

5. Take breaks

If you frequently experience stress and anxiety, consider taking breaks. Resting can help you relax your mind and feel refreshed. Just taking a 15-minute break or even a longer vacation can help reduce stress and make you feel happier.

6. Play with pets

You can also interact and play with cute pets whenever you’re feeling down, as it helps reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol. Pets help you feel less lonely and temporarily forget about things that make you angry.

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7. Spend time immersing yourself in nature

Nature acts as a soothing balm when you’re angry or feeling frustrated. Step away from the situation and go out to the garden or park. Nature can have a calming effect. As soon as you experience the freshness of the outdoors, you may feel an improvement in your state of mind. This helps you focus.