Dealing with Stress

We all get stressed. That’s part of being human. The challenge is in how to manage the stress. (Right, you’re thinking, tell me something I DON’T know). I am quite familiar with stress and anxiety from a personal and professional perspective. I know that panicky fight or flight feeling well.

When I am consciously CALM, those around me tend to destress as well. Particularly my children. Lately, I have made an intentional effort to act almost overly calm, to speak in a very quiet voice. The more revved up they get, the calmer I act. (Even if I don’t feel that way, Fake it till you make it!)

You will be surprised at the affect ACTING CALM will have on yourself and those around you. We have all been told to “take deep breaths” when we are overly agitated. Breathing slowly and deeply calms the central nervous system. This action TELLS your body it is time to RELAX, not panic. You are giving your body specific instructions to follow.

Speaking in a calm voice tells your mind to CHILL OUT. It sends the message “this is not an emergency” to yourself and others.

I have noticed that when I intentionally act “super calm,” in response to feeling stressed myself OR seeing my children fly towards hysterical meltdown-mode, we ALL calm down more quickly and easily.

This works with kids AND with adults. Try it on your co-workers, your spouse, your neighbor. Even if you feel like you want to explode, breathe deeply, lower your voice, slow your speech down.

You will be surprised at the difference you feel and the effect it has around you.