Mental Health: 8 mindful strategies to stay calm during stress and anxiety

By utilizing these mindful practices, you are able to develop resilience and have your inner peace at hand even amid turbulent times.

Image Credit: Freepik

Life often comes with situations that are able to catch us unawares, yet it becomes hard for us to deal with the stress. This is the perfect time to exercise mindfulness, which allows us to find peace and stability again. The following are eight working strategies to stay calm when everything seems to be a mess around you.

8 mindful strategies to stay calm during stress and anxiety

1. Watch your breathing

One of the easiest but most effective means of quieting your mind is conscious breathing. For example, breathing in four and out six times can calm the nervous system and alleviate stress.

2. Accept what you cannot control

Resistance to change or uncertainty only breeds frustration. Rather than complaining about what you cannot control, watch the situation and channel your energy into how you can adapt or react positively.

3. Practice gratitude

When the world is crazy around you, look back on something you are grateful for. A good friend, a hot meal, or some quiet time, whatever it is, gratitude can turn your mood and restore emotional equilibrium.

4. Restrict exposure to negativity

Repeated exposure to negative reports or strained talks might heighten anxiety. Make boundaries by cutting out unnecessary distractions and exposing yourself to good inputs.

5. Exercise physically

Physical exercise is an excellent means of releasing pent-up tension and soothing the mind. Yoga, walking, or stretching, exercise has a balancing effect on the emotions and induces a sense of well-being.

6. Practice daily meditation

Meditation enables you to focus and achieve inner peace. A few minutes of mindfulness meditation can generate mental clarity and mellow the intensity of suffocating thoughts.

7. Be in the present

Condition yourself to be present in the moment instead of ruminating on past errors or fretting about the future. Be present in your environment, enjoy the small things, and keep in mind that your power lies in the present.

8. Surround yourself with positive people

Conversing with a trusted person can alleviate anxiety and bring things into perspective. A friend, family member, or counselor can be a source of emotional comfort and reassurance.

Uncertainty in life may be challenging, yet mindfulness can guide us in navigating difficult circumstances with clarity and composure.