Whether it’s hearing distressing world news, having a high-pressure job, or having unexpected events happen in our personal lives, it’s easy for stress and worries to get ahold of us. Thankfully, according to an article on Thrive Global, we can “course-correct from stress in as little as 60 to 90 seconds”. So, the next time you feel stress creeping in, follow these simple and quick tips to find your inner calm.
Interrupt Anxiety with Gratitude
While it may feel like one of the last things you want to do when you’re feeling stressed and anxious, one helpful tip is writing down what you’re grateful for. If you can make this a practice, such as writing in a daily gratitude journal, it can help shift you into a more positive mindset. If you need more convincing, some of the scientifically proven benefits of gratitude include improved psychological health, better sleep, higher self-esteem, enhanced empathy, and reduced aggression.
Unplug
It can also be helpful to take some time every day to step away from work and electronics and connect with those close to you and/or spend time in nature. In our hyperconnected daily life we rarely take moments to unplug from technology but taking breaks from our devices allows us to reconnect with ourselves and those we love on a deeper level.
Visualize
The next time you’re feeling stressed, take a moment to close your eyes and visualize a person, place, or thing that makes you feel at peace. In an article on Thrive Global they say, “in a stressful moment, visualizing a joy trigger can help reactivate the reward centers in your brain.” If you need a little assistance, you can search for calming visualization exercises on YouTube as well.
Focus on Your Breath
One tried and true way to quickly calm down is by focusing on slowing down your breathing. Just closing your eyes for a minute and focusing on the rise and fall of your breath is often enough, but there are several breathing exercises that can further your experience.