Despite our best efforts to prepare, obstacles always seem to find us since life is full of unexpected turns. These difficulties can occasionally be minor, such as handling a demanding workday or failing to meet a crucial deadline. At other times, they are too much to handle—health issues, financial hardships, personal losses, or world problems that make us feel insecure. It seems hard to remain composed at these times. It is hard to think clearly or make logical judgments when the mind is racing, the pulse is pounding, and emotions take control. I am all too familiar with this.
I've experienced my share of stressful situations where I felt trapped in a loop of overanalyzing and couldn't concentrate on anything but the current issue. However, I've seen by experience that although stress is unavoidable, how we respond to it matters much. Maintaining composure does not mean denying issues or acting as though nothing is wrong. It's about focusing on the here and now, taking charge of what you can, and developing the ability to think clearly when faced with obstacles. These are some useful techniques that I've found work well for maintaining composure when life seems too much to handle.
1. Practice Deep Breathing
- For four seconds, I inhaled deeply through my nose until my lungs were full.
- Let the oxygen flow through my body by holding my breath for seven seconds.
- Release all of the stress I've been holding in by exhaling slowly and completely from my lips for eight seconds.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
- What can I do at this moment?
- How do I adjust to this circumstance?
- Where can I use my energy most effectively right now?
3. Engage in Physical Activity
4. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
- Morning meditation: I take five to ten minutes to sit in a peaceful spot, close my eyes, and concentrate on my breathing before I begin my day. I simply watch my thoughts without getting carried away; I don't strive to suppress them.
- Mindful activities: I occasionally try to be attentive when performing basic duties like washing dishes, having a shower, or even just drinking tea. I really immerse myself in the experience by concentrating on the sensations—the warmth of the water, the scent of my tea, the sounds surrounding me.
- Gratitude journaling: Keeping a gratitude diary has assisted me in changing my perspective from what's wrong with my life to what I still have. I write down three things for which I am thankful every day. It's a minor habit, yet it has a significant impact on how I view difficulties.
- Name 5 things you can see.
- Name 4 things you can touch.
- Name 3 things you can hear.
- Name 2 things you can smell.
- Name 1 thing you can taste.
5. Limit Exposure to Negative News
- Setting time limits: I schedule a definite period, generally once in the morning and once in the evening, to catch up on the news rather than monitor it throughout the day. This keeps me from being caught up in a never-ending doomscrolling loop.
- Selecting reliable sources: I steer clear of sensationalized news and only trust sites that emphasize facts over scare tactics.
- Balancing news with positive content: I always look for positive items in addition to any depressing headlines I come across, whether they are humorous videos that make me laugh inspirational news, or personal development articles.
6. Connect with Loved Ones
- Call or video chat with someone I trust.
- Meet up with a friend for coffee or a walk.
- Send a quick text just to check in and connect.
7. Establish a Healthy Routine
- Prioritizing sleep: Every night, I try to get seven to nine hours of sleep. I avoid using electronics just before bed and maintain a regular bedtime since getting too little sleep makes everything feel more daunting.
- Eating healthy foods: When I'm under stress, I aim to eat meals that provide my body energy instead of turning to junk food. My energy levels noticeably change when I eat balanced meals and drink adequate water.
- Taking breaks: I remind myself that productivity isn't about working continuously, but about working wisely. I do this by stretching, going outdoors for some fresh air, or just stopping to breathe.
8. Practice Self-Compassion
- Addressing myself in the same manner as I would a friend. I would never tell a buddy they were "failing" or "not good enough" if they were having difficulties. Why would I say it to myself, then?
- Stress is natural, I remind myself. Everybody has bad days. Being overwhelmed is a sign of my humanity, not weakness.
- Letting myself take breaks. I no longer endure fatigue to satisfy irrational demands. Additionally, rest is productive.