Five Ways to Stay Calm in a Crisis

Simple Ways to Stay Calm and Think Clearly Under Pressure

Staying calm in a crisis isn't about being fearless, it's about finding small moments of feeling steady when everything feels chaotic. Whether it's a sudden issue that's thrown you into a crisis, some unexpected news, or just a high pressure situation you're trying to manage, keeping your cool can help you to think clearly and respond better to your surroundings.

Let's take a look at 5 simple ways to stay grounded when things start to get intense.

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Create an anchor.

The first step in any crisis is to pause, even if it's just for a second. This tiny break can stop the panic from taking over. Some people tend to have familiar, comfortable habits, like holding a favorite object or taking a sip of water. Others rely on something like a delta-9 THC collection to help them to relax. But even without that, you can create your own anchor. Try pressing your feet firmly into the ground or placing a hand on your chest. These are the small physical actions that remind your body that you're still in control.

Focus on your breathing.

Your breath is one of the fastest ways to calm your nervous system. When stress is hitting you, breathing often becomes shallow and quick, which can make the anxiety feel worse. Instead, you are in control and you can slow it down. Box breathing and inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth can help. Even during this three to five times can help your body shift out of panic mode and into a more balanced state.

Narrow your focus.

In a crisis, your mind can jump to the worst case of scenarios, which is normal but not always helpful. Instead of thinking about everything at once, focus on just the next step. Ask yourself, what do you need to do right now? Not later, not tomorrow, just now. Breaking things down into more manageable pieces keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and helps you to move forward with clarity.

Use grounding techniques.

Grounding is a very simple way to bring your attention back to the present moment. One popular method is the 54321 technique. This is where you look for five things you can see, 4 things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. It's a basic thing, but it works. It shifts your focus away from racing thoughts and backs your surroundings, which helps you to feel more stable.

Keep your inner voice steady.

What you say to yourself during a crisis matters way more than you may think it does. If your inner voice is harsh or panicked, it can make the situation feel worse. Speak yourself the way that you would to a friend, calmly and reassuringly. You are your own best friend and you need to make sure that you are giving yourself that steady mindset to stay focused in the moment, even when things feel chaotic. 

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