25 ways to remain calm all the time?

Dr. Saurabh Gupta
4 min readMar 12, 2023

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It’s not always possible to be calm all the time, as life can be unpredictable and full of challenges that can trigger a range of emotions. However, there are some practices that can help you cultivate a sense of calm and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. Here are some tips:

  1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to let go of worries about the future and regrets about the past, and focus on the present.
  2. Deep breathing exercises: Taking deep breaths can help to slow down your heart rate, relax your muscles, and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. Try taking deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
  3. Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Regular exercise can help you feel more relaxed and improve your overall well-being.
  4. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase feelings of anxiety and stress. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night to help you feel more rested and relaxed.
  5. Practice self-care: Make time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more calm and centered.
  6. Simplify your life: Sometimes, we can feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Look for ways to simplify your schedule or your environment to reduce stress. This might involve decluttering your home, setting boundaries with others, or saying no to commitments that aren’t essential.
  7. Practice gratitude: Focusing on what you’re grateful for can help you feel more positive and calm. Try starting a gratitude journal, where you write down things you’re thankful for each day.
  8. Connect with others: Social support can be a powerful tool for managing stress. Make time to connect with friends, family, or other people who support you.
  9. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can increase feelings of anxiety and stress. If you’re feeling anxious, try reducing your caffeine intake or avoiding it altogether. And if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
  10. Seek help if needed: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, don’t be afraid to seek help. Talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.
  11. Take breaks: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take breaks throughout the day to recharge. This might involve taking a walk outside, practicing meditation, or simply taking a few deep breaths.
  12. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk, and focus on encouraging and supportive messages.
  13. Use positive affirmations: Positive affirmations can help to shift your mindset and promote feelings of calm and positivity. Try repeating phrases such as “I am calm and centered” or “I am capable of managing stress”.
  14. Set realistic expectations: Sometimes, we can feel stressed when we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given day or week, and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.
  15. Practice relaxation techniques: There are many relaxation techniques you can try to promote feelings of calm, such as progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, or aromatherapy.
  16. Practice yoga: Yoga combines physical movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Even a few minutes of yoga each day can have a positive impact on your well-being.
  17. Spend time in nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Whether it’s going for a hike or simply sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine, try to spend some time in nature each day.
  18. Listen to calming music: Listening to calming music can help to lower your heart rate and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Choose music that makes you feel relaxed and peaceful.
  19. Use aromatherapy: Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and peppermint can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Try using a diffuser or adding a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater or pillowcase.
  20. Learn to say no: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to say no to commitments or requests that are not essential. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize your time can help you feel more in control and reduce feelings of stress.
  21. Practice forgiveness: Holding onto grudges or negative emotions towards others can create a lot of stress and tension. Practicing forgiveness can help you release these negative emotions and promote feelings of calm and inner peace.
  22. Focus on what you can control: When we focus on things we cannot control, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Instead, focus on what you can control, such as your own thoughts, actions, and reactions.
  23. Take care of your body: Taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health. Make sure to eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and prioritize sleep.
  24. Practice time management: Poor time management can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress. Practice time management techniques such as creating a to-do list, prioritizing tasks, and breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
  25. Avoid multitasking: Multitasking can actually increase stress and reduce productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention.

Remember, it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, and it’s important to be kind to yourself when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. By practicing these techniques, you can help yourself feel more calm and centered over time.

Cultivating a sense of calm is a journey, and it takes time and practice. Be patient and kind to yourself as you learn to manage stress and promote well-being in your life.

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Dr. Saurabh Gupta
Dr. Saurabh Gupta

Written by Dr. Saurabh Gupta

On a mission to 'making things Salient'.

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