I was reviewing the blog and can see that there are quite a few ideas around the science of stress, distress and anxiety. Certainly there are some pages on helping to relieve longer term anxiety but what about 'in-the-moment' strategies? I need to calm down right now type guidance? So on this page I hope to have a range of ideas for you to help tolerate stress and distress.
Not all of these will work for you or are even suitable for your circumstances. I hope to have a library of choices from which some you can use in your daily life. All I ask is that you experiment with them and see how you go. If you have a technique that is not listed, please feel free to put in the comments section and I will add it to the library.
Cool down. The quickest way to change the chemical reactions associated with stress is the change your body temperature. Go for a drink of iced water, put your face into a bowl of cold water, use an ice pack on your forehead and checks for at least 30 seconds. Maybe go outside on a cool day or turn the air conditioning on if it is a hot day for a while.
Intense exercise. To calm your body down when you are reactive. Run, walk, dance, weights. Of course be sure to take care of yourself and not do any damage. Regular exercise that suits you makes a world of difference and finding the right one is so important. After years of weights I gave up but a few years later I found walking with a weighted backpack through trails near home an absolute blessing.
Box breathing. Click here to go back the the "Breathe to relieve" page and follow some of teh guided breathing exercises.
I just need a minute. Don't be afraid to ask the person or people around you for a break. Just the simple act of asking for a minute can break the tension and give you a minute to slow down your thoughts, feelings actions and reactions and in turn, make a reasoned, thought through response.