You’ve probably faced your fair share of difficult situations in 2020, perhaps more than any other year. It’s been a tough time for alot of us, not being able to see loved ones, some facing job loss or pay cuts, people around us getting sick, just to name a few. It can be hard to not react to different things that come our way in life, but one thing I try my best to do is stay calm.
When something unexpected or something unfair happens in our lives, we all have various coping mechanisms and ways we approach those situations. It can be really easy to get angry and overwhelmed when we find ourselves in those situations. But today I’m sharing some tips on how we can be better at staying calm in difficult situations.
I appreciate that every situation is unique and the tips I will be sharing are very generic. So please bare that in mind when reading! I wish I knew how to help you all in all of your own individual situations but that would be impossible!
BREATHE
It seems obvious but, before you fly off the handle, remember to breathe. Whenever I start to feel anxious or stressed in situations, it’s my breathing that changes first. I become breathless, my heart starts beating and it really makes me panic and everything gets worse. Working on your breathing and focusing on that can help you to calm down. Counting out loud or just making a conscious effort to breathe slowly can really help to bring stress levels down.
I use this technique when I feel as though I’m about to have a panic attack. I stop and focus on something I can see and then work on my breathing. It really helps alot!
WALK AWAY
I know there are various situations where it’s not possible to leave, but try you if you are able to and walk away from the situation. People love to add fuel to the fire, especially if it’s a disagreement that you’re having with someone. Walking away from a situation that isn’t good for you is the best way to give yourself a clean break from it. I know saying is easier than doing here, as some things are harder to walk away from. I don’t know your individual situations, but from personal experience walking away has always helped me to stay calm.
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS
Alot of the time, the reason why we don’t remain calm in difficult situations is because we get riled up and angry and then we start saying things we don’t mean. It’s healthy to express your feelings, I always advise to do this. Holding in your feelings will only cause you to explode at a later point. Expressing what you feel can really help you to calm you down. It might not be best to do it if you are feeling angry at the time, but perhaps after you have had time to think and reflect.
IDENTIFY THE STRESSOR
It might not necessarily be a person thats causing the stress you are facing, it could be a job or a place. I’ve been in situations where it was the environment around me thats caused the stress and anxiety and not the people. Pin pointing the reason for the stress is important. That way you can take any necessary steps to remove it or remove yourself from it.
It’s important to have coping mechanisms during tough times too. Having a game plan in your mind can really help when you face these situations, and believe me there will be quite a few. We can’t control what comes our way in life but what we can control is whether we let it take over us. We have that power, nobody else. It’s important to mention here that these situations come to test us and I always find there are lessons to be learnt through the bad stuff.
How do you stay calm when you’re in a difficult situation?
Don’t forget that self-care is so important in these things. Making sure that you remember your emotions and how you feel through difficult situations is really important for your overall wellbeing.
Olivia x
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Now a days I am finding difficult to stay calm !!!!
It happens to the best of us. I hope this post helped with that!
Surely❤❤
When it’s work related stress and I am feeling overwhelmend then stepping away for a bit is what helps me most. Trying to get 10 mins to make a cup of tea or go for a quick walk helps to calm me down and reflect. Like you said, talking about how you are feeling really helps too xx
Yes, detaching yourself from the stressful situation can really help to make you feel better cant it! xx
Those are some very practical yet simple tips. The problem is that when you are in the throes of a stressful situation you tend to forget these simple de-stressors.
Post like this one serve to remind us.
So glad you enjoyed this post. You are so right, and Its then when we need those de-stressors the most!
Lovely post thnx to share this lovely post 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
I find it helpful to take a step back and really consider what’s going on and the best way to react. Journaling is a good way to do this. I took up journaling this year, so at least one good thing has happened to me in 2020.
Love this, journaling is such a good way to get your feelings out!
My husband makes me comfortable when I am in tough situation.
I share my problems with him and he knows how to make me calm.
I am lucky to have him❤️
Nice Post Olivia ☺️
Excited for your Blogmas posts.
Good luck 😊👍❤️
Thats lovely! What a supportive partner should do! 🙂
Very true Olivia ☺️
Important reminder!
Thank you I think so too!
Breathing is underrated. I use a couple of acronyms. STOP Stop Take a breath Observe Proceed. If I’m feeling super anxious or stressed I’ll take a time out and meditate on RAIN Recognise Accept Investigate Nurture. Thanks Olivia. Another great post 🙏
Love this!! 🤗Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful! And the basis of a new program I’m offering, Integrated Spiral. ❤️🦋🌀🎼😉
Love this👏🏼
Listen to music 🎼 breathing, and ensuring everything will be fine.
Yes! Such great steps!
I usually take myself away from the situation. So if it’s a person maybe give myself some distance. Or sometimes having a conversation. Or when all else fails my favourite chocolate/s 😂
Yess! Chocolate never fails 🤣🤣
Some great tips and so relatable! Im definitely a breather – easier said than done sometimes though 😬😂
great tips!!