Sometimes there are moments when our stress levels get so high, we feel overwhelmed and cannot think straight. In times like these, we need to have effective strategies that we know will calm us down quickly.  Here are 6 steps that can offer immediate stress relief, so that we can go on with our day and address our problems effectively.

1)TAKE A BREAK

Get away from the situation or the person that’s causing the problem.  Even if it is only for a few minutes, it helps to just change the scenery and calm down.  When you can’t get away (like at work), take a mental Time Out – Imagine yourself in a relaxing place such as your favorite vacation spot. 

2)TAKE A SHORT WALK

A short walk can change/lift your mood significantly and clear your mind.  Vigorous activity is even better.  It can literally “burn” off some of that stress.  

3)BREATH DEEPLY AND SLOWLY (from the abdomen)

The key to deep breathing is to breath from the abdomen (rather than from the rib cage), filling your lungs to capacity.  – Slowly inhale through your nose. – Keep your shoulders down and let your lower abdomen rise and fall as you breath in and out. – Slowly exhale through pursed lips – Breath this way for about 3 minutes and try to relax your body at the same time.

4)CALL A FRIEND

This is one of those moments that is “what friends are for.”  Talking to a friend, even for just a few minutes, can help you get reassurance, put everything in perspective, and make you feel better.  If you can’t reach a friend, just talk yourself through it – speak out loud on why you feel so stressed and what you need to do to deal with the situation at hand.  

5)”GOING FOR A MOVIE” (optional)

If you can find sometime at the moment, doing something you like (such as watching a movie or playing a video game) can help you take your mind off the stress and give you a more optimistic outlook.  

6)GET HELP

When stress sticks around for too long, it is a good idea to get help in dealing with it.  It can be a chat with your colleagues to identify resources to deal with the challenge at hand, a heart-to-heart with your family members for problem solving, or see your physician/psychologist for professional help.