It’s normal to worry about a lot of things. Some significant, some insignificant. It’s a normal part of life. However, most of the time we let our anger or anxiety take over and we’re unable to calm down. Being able to calm yourself down in a stressful situation is easier said than done, especially when we’re always feeling pressed for time.

Here are 7 ways to keep yourself cool, calm and collected during turbulent periods in your life…

1. Breathe

Yes, seriously. Breathing is considered to be one of the most effective techniques used to reduce anger, anxiety and stress. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed out, take 10 long, deep breaths. This basically sends a message to your brain which results in your mind becoming clearer, your body feeling lighter and you feeling much better than before.

2. Visualise yourself being calm

I have often noticed people using this technique when they’re in panic-induced situations. This tip actually goes hand in hand with the breathing tip above. After taking a few deep breaths, close your eyes and picture yourself being calm in a calm environment. By visualising yourself in a calm environment, this will create a mental picture of what it looks like to be calm and you will soon feel a lot better.

3. Go off the grid

Ah, escaping from the digital and technological universe – not that easy. It’s very difficult to leave social media when our fingers are glued to our screens and keyboards. However, pull yourself away from your laptop or cellphone and disengage from the electronic world a bit. Being glued to news updates 24-7 is not good for your mental health as it could stir up a lot of underlying anxiety and stress.

4. Write it down

If you’re too anxious or angry to talk, grab a notebook or a journal or a random piece of paper, and start writing out your thoughts. Forget about capital letters, punctuation or sentence construction – just write! Writing out your thoughts and feelings will make you look at your thoughts in a different light, as well as removing those negative thoughts from your head.

5. Call a trusted friend

If you’re not having any luck with the above tips, call a friend. Use the support system that you have when you’re feeling miserable. Talking to someone who is not experiencing your emotional situation will be able to give you unbiased advice. By sharing your thoughts out loud, you may derive new solutions on your own.

6. Develop a coping strategy

If you’re constantly finding yourself in stressful situations i.e. end of week deadlines, meetings or studying on weekends, find a coping mechanism that helps you reduce your stress level and anxiety. You can either exercise regularly, get a daily dose of fresh air by sitting in the garden, get creative in the kitchen or catch up on some sleep.

7. Look at the big picture

We often feel like our entire lives are about to end when we find ourselves in stressful circumstances that only last a fragment of reality. The next time you’re in this situation, ask yourself if this will matter to you in a week, a month, a year or in the next five years. And you guessed it – it never matters!