Video:How to Calm Down Quickly When Overwhelmed

Transcript:How to Calm Down Quickly When Overwhelmed

Hi, I'm Nadia Chapman for About.com. We all have ups and downs, and we all experience stressful situations at one point or another in our lives. Feeling stressed is uncomfortable, and upsetting, and is not a feeling we like to experience. These 5 simple tricks can help you calm down when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Take a Walk to Calm Down Quickly When Overwhelmed

The first thing you can do when you are feeling overwhelmed is to take a walk. Walking helps release endorphins, which transmit signals to the nervous system. They are also called the "feel good" hormones, and help making you feel more relaxed. Also, walking can make you get away from the problem causing stress. Walking can give you perspective so you can come back with a fresh outlook on the situation.

Breathe Deeply to Calm Down Quickly When Overwhelmed

Another good way to quickly calm down is to breathe. Breathing will bring more oxygen into your body, and will release tension. Sit quietly, and let your breathing get slower, and calmer. Prolonging and slowing the out-breath calms down, and relaxes. The more you work on your breathing in your daily life, the easier it will be to calm down when you get stuck in a stressful situation.

Use Visualization to Calm Down Quickly When Overwhelmed

A quick way to calm down is also to use imagery or visualization. These techniques consist of taking a moment to relax, and enter a meditative state of mind. With some practice this can be done anywhere, but for starters make sure you are in a quiet place, and have some privacy. Lay down or sit down with your eyes closed, and relax your body and mind.

After your thoughts have calmed down, visualize how you want to see yourself responding to the situation. See yourself the way you wish to be; happy, calm, confident, etc. Don't only see it, feel it too. You are now sending positive images to your subconscious, and this will help you manage your response to stress. If you need guidance during your visualization, you can buy an audio recording to help you through the steps of imagery.

Change Perspective to Calm Down Quickly When Overwhelmed

Another way to calm down when overwhelmed is to change your perspective on the situation. Stop yourself, and analyze the reasons you are feeling overwhelmed. Try facing the situation with a positive outlook, and embrace the challenges that will make you a stronger person. Try adding a touch of humor to what is happening, and accept that difficult situations are part of life. Having a positive outlook on things will make you a more accepting person, and will help you stay calm when stress arises.

Do Something You Like to Calm Down Quickly When Overwhelmed

Finally, try letting go by shifting your mind, and doing something you like. It might be enjoying your favorite hobby, cooking, listening to music, calling a friend, having someone over for a talk, or even watching your favorite TV show. Whatever it is, stepping out of the stressful situation can help you clear your mind, and allow you to have a fresh outlook. Basically, just give your mind a break.

Thanks for watching, and for more information, please visit us on the web at About.com.