Best Ways to Keep Calm In Stressful Times
Everyone in life experiences stressful times and events. No matter who they are or where they live. It could be managing through a big ordeal, such as a job transfer or a sudden loss of a loved one. It may be an everyday pressure-pot situation like a student working on a big term paper or someone’s car breaking down in the middle of a busy highway. No matter what the difficult situation or circumstances- life can get daunting at times and simply stress out the human race. And it’s a fact that stress can kill.
Overtime, a constant flow of stress can harm health; physically and mentally. High stress levels in people’s lives can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy eating habits, and substance abuse. Also, clinical depression and other mental illnesses such as dementia. The thing is, stressful times and difficult moments are an integral part of life, that everyone living on this planet will have to deal with at one point or another. So, it’s so important to manage through taxing situations by trying hard to de-stress as much as possible. But, how is it possible to stay calm in the storm?
Here Are a Few Helpful Tips:
1. Exercise.
Yes, moving one’s body is one of the best ways to handle stress. Experts have long said that routine exercise such as bike riding, walking, swimming, or any other form of physical activity causes the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins to emit and ultimately reduce stress-levels in the body. Even grief experts strongly recommend some form of physical exertion to those who are going through a loss of a loved one. So, no matter what the situation at hand, exercising is a good way to release anxiety and mood-lift which will help in keeping calm in serious stressful situations.
One of Mexico’s highly recognized criminal defense attorneys, Diego Ruiz Duran is a strong advocate for exercising when needing to de-stress in the day. Especially during the ongoing global pandemic, Duran like many professionals have found themselves having to work from home and adjust to the “new normal” which isn’t always the easiest thing to do. And although, his first priority is keeping up with clients, the savvy Mexico City lawyer realizes that healthily de-stressing is just as important in maintaining a successful existence.
2. Breathing exercises.
Studies reveal that specific breathing techniques are not only good for one’s health but also terrific in managing stress levels. Whether it’s mastering tai chi or what the technique the Navy Seals use, called ‘tactical breathing’, inhaling and exhaling is a sure-fire way to keep calm in any sort of ‘fight or flight’ stressful experience. Try taking deep breaths through the nose, feeling it all the way through one’s belly and then exhaling out slowly through the mouth is an instant way to de-stress and relax. Longer exhales activate a body’s parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood pressure- ultimately reducing anxiety.
3. Keep a positive outlook.
It may sound terribly hard or even irrational for someone to maintain an optimistic mindset after they’ve received bad news from their doctor or being wrung out during an argument with their teenager, but actively thinking positive in any stressful scenario will ultimately calm a person. And once someone is evaluating even the most critical circumstance in a more hopeful mindset, they will find themselves more calm and less stressed out. It’s usually how well a person views a situation that can bring about the best end results.
4.Practice self care.
Whether it’s needing to relax after a tiresome day at the office or having to let off steam after being cut off on the highway, it’s healthy to exercise taking care of one’s body and mind. Enjoy a soothing bath, listen to relaxing music – maybe some light rock music, make a favorite dish, retire to bed early. Those that take good care of themselves are better equipped to handle stressful situations. And taking time out for oneself is an immediate calmer when dealing with any stressful circumstance.
5.Talk to someone.
Text that best friend, call a family member or mentor. Go to lunch with a coworker. It’s vitally important for humans to express their feelings in order to release tension and anxious emotions. Holding things in is very unhealthy. Reach out to a close friend or make an appointment with a counselor. No matter what kind of difficult situation, talking it out with someone will immediately relieve stress and will calm one’s mind.