The ability to stay calm is priceless, especially when the world is a madhouse filled with fear, hate, and suffering.
“Times of stress are also times that are signals for growth, and if we use adversity properly, we can grow through adversity.”
— Abraham Twerski
Even after the U.S. election, no matter what happens, I predict there will be some pandemonium. People will claim someone rigged the election if their side doesn’t win. It will be insane.
But constant overwhelm can destroy your well-being and quality of life for years to come. Therefore, you must learn how to shift from anxiety to a peaceful state of mind. These skills will be valuable throughout your entire life.
Try these tips to calm down when the mayhem gets too intense:
1. Stay calm by cutting out the news and social media for a while
“You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.”
— Wayne Dyer
Obsessing about the news and the propaganda on social media will send your nerves into a frenzy! You’ll start imagining all kinds of horrendous scenarios.
Plus, your subconscious will believe that these thoughts are actually happening! As a result, your body will tense up and start pumping cortisol. Then you’ll become anxious, irritable, and lash out at loved ones.
Let’s not do that.
Politicians know that fear is a powerful motivator, that’s why they fill your mind with horror about their opponent. But that’s the last thing you need right now.
Turn off your app notifications for now. You can turn them back on when the dust settles.
Read a book, instead of scrolling through social media, or you could play a new game. Don’t watch the news when you’re feeling stressed. Choose your favorite sitcom or a funny movie.
2. No fighting; stay calm and cool
“Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it.”
— Brian Tracy
One of the best ways to be calm is not to add extra drama into the mix. It’ll be challenging not to verbally attack anyone who crosses your path, and other people feel the same way. Now certainly isn’t the time to press people’s buttons. We’re all feeling the stress of the pandemic.
Don’t hang around argumentative people, and don’t start fights. Just be cool and keep conversations light. There’s no use in trying to change people’s minds now.
Now is a perfect time to practice acceptance of the situation, of yourself, and of others. Even though accepting is difficult, it’s a guaranteed way to ease your mind.
Besides, there’s nothing you can do to change the situation, so do yourself a massive favor and accept it. Don’t complain about it, instead focus on things you can control, like yourself.
3. Plan some fun times
“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about your circumstances.”
— Andrew Bernstein
Spoil yourself a little during these hectic times. Take it easy and schedule a time for yourself to do what you enjoy. It’s not selfish. Trust me, your family and friends will be glad you did!
Here are some more tips:
- Start your mornings off right, and you’ll feel calm throughout the day.
- Don’t force yourself to finish demanding tasks; this will add more stress to an already chaotic time.
- Clean your space. Cleaning can be meditative and therapeutic.
- Draw or learn to paint.
- Dive into your favorite hobby.
- Take a bath.
- Pamper yourself.
- Get dressed up for no reason.
- Create or redesign a place in your apartment or home; just for you.
- Play with your dog.
- Rearrange your furniture.
Do whatever brings you joy and have fun, regardless of what craziness is going on in the world. Be smart and stay healthy too!
4. Detach from the world for a while
“Breath is the power behind all things…. I breathe in and know that good things will happen.”
— Tao Porchon-Lynch
When it seems like the world is in shambles and your agitation is rising, take some time to detach from it all. It’s going to be okay, and you’re okay now.
Don’t let your imagination run wild with conspiracy theories or scenarios. Sometimes you need to break away from the chaos and gather your bearings.
Try this now:
- Take a deep breath for 4 seconds.
- Hold it and count to 7.
- Then exhale for 8 counts.
- Repeat until you calm down and feel more stable.
When you feel tense, meditate for a few minutes. Deep breathing oxygenates your blood and relaxes tense muscles. Plus, it’s free, and you can do it whenever and wherever you need it.
5. Stay calm by working out
“Its not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”
— Hans Selye
We absorb our emotions in our bodies. That’s why your shoulders and back get tense and achy when you’re stressed. Furthermore, many other issues can arise if you allow negative thoughts to play on repeat.
In order to break out of this endless cycle and get out of your head, you need to get your body moving. When you’re working out or playing a sport, it preoccupies your mind on that, not on the mayhem.
Exercise is a proven way to help people relax. Plus, it’ll give you a dose of euphoric chemicals that last throughout the day.
Ways to exercise:
- Go for a run or a bike ride.
- Take a long walk.
- Do some stretches or yoga poses.
- Play a sport.
However, you like to exercise, do it when you feel anxious or depressed.
6. Put a song in your throat
“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.”
— Hermann Hesse
There’s something magical that happens when people sing. You’re taken away to another place where there isn’t a pandemic of hate everywhere. You can escape into your own world. Who can feel upset when they’re singing? Probably no one, except maybe Karen next door?
Try these out too:
- Sing and play along with an instrument.
- Have a singing contest with your family.
- Dance along to your favorite songs.
Singing can instantly put an end to obsession, negative thinking, and stress. Choose a playlist of your favorite songs and belt it out till you feel better.
7. Write out your frustrations
“Don’t believe every worried thought you have. Worried thoughts are notoriously inaccurate.”
— Renee Jain
Journaling is so beneficial. If you feel like you don’t know yourself or where you’re going in life, you probably don’t journal. Writing your inner monologue allows you to understand where you’re at and where you want to go. It can shed light on issues and lead you to their solutions. Obviously, that’s useful for anyone.
You can use your journal (or notebook or document) to vent about what’s bothering you, especially if you don’t want to share these things with friends or family.
Also, you could write a list of things you’re thankful for and look at it often. Being glad for what you’ve got is the secret to happiness, regardless of how good or bad your life is.
“If the problem can be solved, why worry? If the problem cannot be solved, worrying will do you no good.”
— Buddha
In short, the world is in dire need of ways to stay calm during this pandemic. But, nothing lasts forever, and things get better if we all do our part and wear a mask while we’re around a lot of people. As for the politicians, there will always be things you don’t agree with, but now you have the skills to handle it like a pro!
If you feel depressed or suicidal, please don’t hesitate to get some support!
Here are some free online therapy options:
- Bliss gives you 8 free online therapy sessions.
- Etherapy is free online therapy.
The pandemic is far from over, and stress will never disappear, so you’ll need something motivating to keep your mind strong. So, subscribe below, and you’ll receive a new Motivated Progress article every week!
Also, share your thoughts in the comments! What do you do to stay calm?