Every time there’s a crisis, our usual response to the situation is to hit the panic button. We start losing sleep, overthink every detail, and stress perpetually, which leads to a complete meltdown. It’s no wonder that we often find ourselves stuck in a dark tunnel with no light at the end of it. So, how does one stay calm when such episodes of tragedy occur in life? For instance, when a long relationship ends, a job is lost, mortgages begin to pile up, or when we lose money in the share market—all of these bring anxiety and stress that wreak havoc on our lives.
History has it that all successful people, leaders, and entrepreneurs responded to the crisis by staying calm and clear-headed. They didn’t lose their cool or take impulsive decisions when they went through a rough patch. Instead, their psychological readiness and mental preparedness enabled them to stay relaxed and poised under pressure.
Staying calm in light of crisis is a skill that separates winners from others. It’s a skill that can save lives and help you make rational decisions when you need them the most. The good news is anyone with the right approach and dedication can learn the art of staying calm to stay composed and self-assured. Here’s how.
Take deep breaths
When you hear bad news, instead of panicking take a few deep breaths. It’s the first, and probably the most effective step in becoming calmer and poised. According to a Harvard study, deep breathing can help you experience positive emotions, mindfulness benefits and “aids you in disengaging from distracting thoughts and sensations”. Taking deep breaths take you farther away from stress and help calm your mind, which allows you to see things with a clear head. So, the next time you come across something upsetting, don’t react. Pause and take deep breaths before carving out your next steps.
Don’t overthink
When something does not go according to the plan, negative thoughts starts running amok. You find yourself stuck in the loop of overthinking as if you are on a merry go round that never ceases to stop. Once you get caught in its vicious trap, overthinking sucks all your energy and composure. To stay calm in the event of a crisis, you need to control your thoughts first. Remind yourself that it never leads to anything positive. It only wastes your time and makes you more stressed. If you can keep yourself from overthinking, calmness will prevail on its own.
Deep breathing is a powerful technique to calm your mind and reduce stress. Taking slow, deep breaths can give you a moment to collect your thoughts before tackling tough situations.
Overthinking can lead to heightened anxiety and hinder effective decision-making. By avoiding overthinking, you can prevent unnecessary stress and allow yourself to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Sharing your challenges with someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or mentor, can provide emotional support and fresh perspectives.
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