8 habits to calm yourself when you are down
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. -Aristotle
In the present day, I don’t think there is anyone who goes for long without going through life’s challenges every now and then. I know this because I have had my share throughout my short life.
Also, I have listened to friends and acquaintances complain one or two times about this particular problem they are going through. Like most people, I try to calm them down in ways that I know, but the best way to calm down during anxiety or when things are not going fine is to face it themselves. So how can you live a calmer life when things are not going well?
What are the 8 ways to calm down?
Take a walk
Taking a good walk goes a long way in stabilizing your mind. The calmness that comes with walking long distance help put you in control of your thoughts and let you see things differently. You will start finding solutions when you think differently about what you are going through.
Dedicate an entire day to yourself.
Now that you are going through this dark time, this is the ideal time to indulge yourself. Spend time off doing things that you have always wanted. Most of us ignore everything that has to do with us when we are fine, and the accumulation of these things eventually affects our calmness.
Be generous
Give something out as charity to someone you don’t know or an animal during this trying period. This act gives us this warm and beautiful feeling from the inside. Most of the time, I have been at my happiest are the period I have helped someone, especially those I don’t have any relationships.
Sit outside a busy street or ice cream shop.
Around 2019, whenever I have a bad day or something is not going well, I go out and sit at Bole place. After helping myself to a bowl of bole and fish, I notice the number of fine cars that frequent the location. Before I know what’s happening, I have exhausted enough time, and my mind is straight.
Find a coffee, ice cream, or busy street around you and savor the moment. The good thing about it all is you don’t have to talk to anyone.
Get enough sleep.
This is the time to get enough sleep for yourself. Most of us rarely sleep for one reason or the other, but most times, we don’t know how important a night of good sleep is. The few times I feel more refreshed and most productive is when I have been able to get between 7–9 hours of sleep. You are going through a bad patch, don’t add sleeping disorders to your problems.
Monitor your thoughts about yourself
Most times, we are a reflection of our thoughts. Stop thinking lowly of you and your life. Always maintain a positive outlook about yourself. Say good things about yourself. Imagine yourself and life in positive situations most of the time; they are things that form your self-talk.
Cry
Growing up, we could cry easily, no matter what we were going through. Whether sad or happy, we can express ourselves in ways we want. However, adulthood and different teachings make us think crying is now a sign of weakness, which is not true! When you hide your emotions, you bring your heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas into harm. Whenever you feel like crying, please do. Crying is a form of therapy. It helps relieve stress and calm your mind.
See life as a journey.
Always see life as a journey and what you are going through as a phase; things will surely get better.
As a spiritual person, I believe there will be moments of trials for us, but if we stay steadfast and believe in Allah, things will eventually calm down.
