How to Remain Calm

Lately, I have realized that staying calm has not been easy for me. Last week was so stressful for me and staying calm just seemed so impossible. So of course, as always, I turned it into a blog post. I know that a lot of people deal with anxiety, staying calm, etc., and I thought would be good to share some of the things that I am trying to train myself to do when I find that I am in a stressful or annoying situation.

I also found that this list is incredibly good to remember when you are also in a situation that you can’t control.

Number one: LET GO

As it has been said before, let go of the things you can’t change.

This one is always hard for me. I find t hard to let go of things mainly because I want to be in control, I want to make a situation better, I want everything to be okay. But one thing that is important to remember is that not all things will get fixed, not all things need to be fixed, and not all things can be fixed. Some things are out of our control. So, let go of your problems, if possible, and be happy.

Number two: BREATHE

Probably one of the simplest things on this list that people take for granted. Taking time for yourself and really TRULY breathing is so important. Stop loading yourself down with all these things you “have to do” and just let yourself have a break. Meditate, ground yourself again, relax, take a bath, do something that YOU want to do. Love yourself again. As cliche as all of this sounds, it's so important.  

Number three: LOOSEN UP

I get told this sometimes. Sometimes, I take this offensively and then later on realize that whoever told me, is right. It’s mainly because I am seriously so tense a lot of the time. It's not that I need to be, it just happens. It’s not healthy at all and I know that. Life is too long to walk about and care too much about everything. For the past few years, I’ve been so tense and stubborn about everything. Honestly, I’ll probably always be stubborn. But for the past year, I’ve truly been trying to just loosen up and try to be more adventurous so I can enjoy life.Being tense all the time can cause health problems. So, loosen up, have a little fun and enjoy the journey we call life. 

Number four: ENJOY THE JOURNEY

One of my most favorite decorations in my room is a wooden piece of artwork that says “Embrace the Journey.” I think that this is something that I love remembering. If you are stressed about something, stop and remember that enjoying the journey of life is so important. No matter whether a big company and don’t get a lot of free time or you are a world traveler and you get to see the beauty of this world, remember that this is your life. You make it what you want it. So make it good. Make It your journey. If you don’t like it, make it better by changing it.

Number five: LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE

I think that this one is super important. If you are in a situation (that in hindsight is so trivial) stop and think about it. Is this worth it? Will it be important in a few years from now? It’s funny because when I look back on most of the stress and dealt with in the past few years, well I don’t exactly even remember it. It’s no longer a big deal. Hard times and stressful situations pass. And in the end, it doesn’t matter. So when you are faced with an issue, try to remember that.

Number six: STOP DEMANDING

Stop demanding perfection of yourself and everyone else around you. No one is perfect. One of my biggest pet peeves, besides standing too closely behind people and loud smacking. Another pet peeve of mine is when people bring up the past. Like no, leave that there. Stop trying to remind someone that they have messed up, that they did something wrong. Everyone makes mistakes, and a lot of people learn from them. People change. Give people another chance. Stop expecting people to be so perfect when you are perfect either. And on that note, stop trying to be perfect yourself. I can’t say too much because I find myself trying to be perfect as well. But it’s impossible to be perfect. I promise. Trying to be perfect is a waste of time and will take a toll on you. So, be yourself. Know you’re imperfect and be okay with that.

Number seven: PRACTICE PATIENCE

Practicing patience everyday is super important and it is something that I have been trying to do lately. Whether it’s just driving behind a slow driver, letting someone in front of me in line, whatever, I am always trying to be more patient. As they say, “patience is a virtue,” and it truly it is. I think that It’s important to try to be patient because in the case of a bad situation, you always have your patience to fall back on. This life is filled with moments of trouble and these moments you may only be left with how much patience you have.

Now don’t get me wrong, I struggle everyday to remember these things. I keep this list on my phone so I can remember it. Heck, even breathing can some times be a struggle for me. Hence, most of my anxiety attacks. I’m 19 and I am still learning. I don’t think that learning about life ever truly stops. The other day I was called an “old soul” which I absolutely love. In my short life, I have learned so many lessons so early in life. My goal in life is to be able to encourage those around me. As much as I love hearing advice, I am also thankful that I got to learn on my own. I’ve made my own mistakes. I’ve struggled, I went against what people told me not to do and did it anyways. Sometimes, it ended up being for the best; sometimes, not so much. I know I’m not an expert or anywhere near close, but I am proud to say that I’m making it okay. And you will too.