Jenny's morning started in the worst possible way. She had stayed up late the previous
night, working on a project that had a tight deadline. As a result, she overslept and woke up in a panic, realizing she was already late for work.
In a rush, she got dressed, skipped breakfast, and hurried out the door. Just as she was about to start her car, she
discovered it wouldn't start. Frustration and stress mounted as she frantically tried to figure out what to do next.
Jenny’s heart raced, her mind swirled with negative thoughts, and she felt completely overwhelmed.
For many of us, days like Jenny’s are all too familiar. Stressful situations can arise unexpectedly, throwing our day into disarray. However, there are simple and effective strategies to help you calm down and regain control. Here are 5 easy things you can do to help you calm down on a stressful day:
1. Take a Deep Breath: When Jenny realized her car wouldn't start, the first thing she needed to do was take a deep breath. Deep breathing helps to slow down your heart rate and clear your mind.
Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat at least five times. This simple act can help you feel more centered and ready to tackle the problem at hand.
Stress balls can help as well. Squeezing a stress ball provides a physical release for tension and stress. This act of repetitive motion can help channel nervous energy and reduce feelings of
anxiety. 2. Assess the Situation: Once you've calmed down a bit, take a moment to assess the situation. Jenny needed to determine her next steps, such as calling her boss to explain the situation (maybe the deadline could be moved or perhaps someone else could present the project, etc.) or arranging for
alternate transportation.
Breaking down the problem into manageable steps and getting into solution-mode can make it feel less overwhelming.
3. Ask for Help: Sometimes, handling everything on your own isn't feasible. Jenny could call a friend, neighbor, or colleague for a ride to work or assistance with her car.
Asking for help is not a sign of
weakness; it's a practical way to manage stressful situations.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Jenny's situation was stressful and it’s easy to be hard on oneself in such moments.
Acknowledge that it's okay to have rough days and that you’re doing your best. Self-compassion can significantly reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
5. Plan Ahead for the Future: After the
immediate crisis is resolved, take some time to plan ahead to prevent similar situations in the future.
Jenny might consider setting multiple alarms, not waiting until the last minute to work on important projects, or regularly maintaining her car. Planning ahead
can reduce the likelihood of future stressful mornings.
Jenny’s day started with chaos, but by employing some of these simple strategies, she was able to regain her composure and tackle her challenges with a clearer mind. Stressful days are inevitable, but with the right tools and techniques, you can manage stress effectively and
maintain your well-being.
