by Recovery Alberta – Community Health Promotion Services
Life brings with it everyday stresses, but it is important to have coping strategies that can be used to regulate and balance our feelings and emotions. Sometimes we don’t have control of stressors that cause the stress, but we can control our emotions or how we react to those stressors. Calming strategies help slow down the immediate response that we have by decreasing the amount of cortisol in our body, also known as the stress hormone. There are many coping strategies, and it is important to find what works best for you.
Here is a list of strategies that can be used by anyone, anytime, and anywhere:
Managing Emotions
Commonly referred to as “name it, to tame it”, is a technique that involves naming your emotions to allow you to pause and reflect rather than allowing your emotions to spiral or cause impulse decisions. Make it a habit to recognize how you feel. Did you feel embarrassed, sad, jealous, or upset? Simply notice that emotion and name it in your mind.
Mindfulness
Focusing on the present moment will help calm your mind and manage your emotions. What can you see, hear, touch, feel, or move in the environment you are presently in? This technique will help your brain focus on the present rather than the “what if”.
Breathwork
Slowing and deepening your breaths have been shown to help you self-regulate. Use breathing techniques that work for you; these can include box breathing or even paced breathing.
The key to all the above strategies is focusing on yourself. Everyone is different, so find techniques that resonate with you so you can be the best version of yourself!
