The ability to master emotions and preserve peace when the blood is buzzing in the veins is difficult but very useful.
Here's a list of ten strategies to help you stay calm in stressful situations:
1. Appreciate what you have.
Research shows that everyday dedicating time to contemplating what we are grateful for significantly reduces the level of cortisol or stress hormone, improves mood, adds energy and raises psychological well-being.
2. Avoid constant thinking about the future.
Do not think about "what would happen if ...". Such thinking increases the pressure.
3. Try to be optimistic.
Positive thoughts make it difficult to generate negative ones that in turn stress us. When everything goes our way it's easy. When it is not so easy, it is worth thinking about one good thing that happened on a given day.
4. Disconnect from work.
When you allow yourself to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, exposure to stress is constant. Disconnecting from the Internet or even from the phone gives the mind time to rest from the constant flow of stressors.
5. Limit coffee drinking.
Caffeine causes the release of adrenaline, the source of reaction fight or run away, perfect when you are chasing a bear, but not so good when you reply to emails at work. When caffeine enters the brain and body into a state of readiness, emotions can take precedence over reason.
6. Take care of a good night's sleep.
You can not cope well with stress when you are unconscious from lack of sleep. In sleep, our brain is loading. Thanks to this we have the power to control ourselves, we are attentive to what is happening.
7. Change your mind.
Stress and worries are often driven by ourselves and the way we interpret reality. You can not control reality, but you can control how you react to it.
8. Breathe.
In situations of high stress and tension, remember breathing techniques.
9. Use the support of others.
To be calm and productive, you should know your weaknesses and learn to ask for help when it is needed or when we feel overwhelmed.
And what are your ways to stay calm in stressful situations?
