How to deal with stress and stay calm (Part 3)

  1. Choose your response to stress, (I discussed this 2 weeks ago)
  2. Meditation and Mindfulness, (I discussed this last week)

This week I explain a few more techniques that can help you stay calmer.

  1. Visit Nature. When you are stressed, one of the best things that you can do going outside in nature, a park, or a garden. Even viewing nature though the window can help you to calm down.
  2. Physical activity. Go for a walk, run, etc. especially if you can have your activity in nature. It is more useful if you are mindful when you are doing your activity. Be present there and do not think about stressful situations.
  3. Deep breathing helps you to calm down very quickly. When you breath, focus on your breath. Other relaxation techniques such as yoga and stretching can help.
  4. Get enough sleep, inadequate sleep can affect your mood negatively.
  5. Listen to your favorite calming music
  6. Visit or call people that you enjoy connecting with.
  7. Visit a spiritually inspiring place. If you are a person that prays, do this when you are stressed.
  8. Resolve stressful situations. The first 9 steps were about how to choose your response to stress and how to keep yourself calm. These activities unstick your brain so you can see the situation more clearly. When you are calm enough that you can think properly, then you need to see if you can do something about the cause of your stress (the stressor). For instance, your stressor could be related to finances, relationship, your work or your habits. You need to resolve stressful situations, otherwise your stress will come back. In my own life the person that brought the most stress to my life was me. Some of my bad habits caused me much stress. I had to change these habits before my life could become more peaceful. Hold problem solving sessions at home and at work. If your finances are causing you stress, then think, learn or get some help to see how you can solve the problem. As Tony Robbins said, “there is always a way, if you are committed. You can solve your issues by thinking and taking proper actions.

 

Dr. M. Rashidi