How to Calm Down Fast
Before you blow up and say or do something you’ll regret, try some of these steps to douse the fire.
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You Will Need
- A dark room
- Music
- A mantra
- Professional help (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Separate and chill
Take time alone, find a dark room, plug your ears, and sit still until calm returns.
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Step 2
Relax your body
Relax each part of your body in succession, blanking-out negative thoughts.
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Step 3
Cry and recover
Cry. Studies show crying can energize the immune system and reduce stress quickly.
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If eruptions continue to interfere with your happiness, find professional help to anticipate meltdowns and plan alternative behavior.
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Step 4
Walk
Walk to burn off energy and meditate on peaceful things. Doctors believe in "self-talk" and affirmations that reinforce the uselessness of anger.
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Step 5
Dance to music
Dance to your favorite music. Distracting your toxic impulses with external stimuli buys you temporary relief.
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Step 6
Breathe
Inhale deeply through the nose, counting to five and, pursing your lips, push the air out long and slowly for a count of 10.
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Step 7
Say a mantra
Chant a mantra to yourself during intense situations. When mumbled or chanted internally, your secret word is a reminder to calm down.
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Incorporate a healthy lifestyle and combine a low-stimulus environment with relaxation, exercise, and time with friends.
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Step 8
Consider alternative choices
Reframe your take on events, considering how others feel and contemplating better responses than agitation.
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Did you know? As many as 10 percent of healthy people have anxiety attacks each year.
