Six Ways to Calm Down When Feeling Overwhelmed
Too much of any type of stress can feel overwhelming, and it can often sneak up on us. Calming yourself down can be easier than you think with these six strategies.
1. Take a short walk
Exercise can be a great stress reliever because it helps you blow off steam and releases endorphins even if you have just five or ten minutes. Walking with a friend can be a nice way to find social support and walking alone can give you time to think, refocus, and return to the situation with renewed optimism. You could also listen to music that soothes or energizes you.
2. Breathe deeply
If you're not in a position to leave
where you are, you can feel better right away by practicing breathing exercises. You can do them anytime or anywhere, even if your demanding situation isn't letting up.
3. Visualize relief
Visualizations and guided imagery are wonderful ways to restore peace of mind if you can steal away a few minutes of peace. They're easy to do and can relax you mentally and physically.
4. Relax your muscles
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a technique where you tense and release all your muscle groups, leaving your body more relaxed afterward.
5. Write it down
You could also benefit from journaling if you have just a few minutes. Writing down what's causing stress can get your emotions out on the page and help release tension.
6. Drink some water
Dehydration can make you feel tired and dizzy. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try drinking a glass of water or a stress-relieving cup of tea.
Firelands Counseling & Recovery Services
Health isn’t just physical. Mental health is crucial for overall well-being. More than 42 million Americans suffer from some type of mental illness, and more than 19 million have a substance abuse problem.
Since 1967, Firelands Regional Medical Center has been serving the behavioral health needs of our community, including individuals in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wyandot counties in Ohio.
Whether it’s depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, or some other issue, Firelands Regional Medical Center’s Counseling & Recovery Services provides a full spectrum of outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment options in Ohio. Sometimes certain behavioral health issues can become severe. In such instances, you or your loved one may benefit most from inpatient treatment.
The Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit, located on the hospital’s main campus, offers comprehensive and integrated mental health and hospital services for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. This service is licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).
When you turn to us for help, a licensed professional will guide you or your loved one through a complete assessment to help identify the most challenging issues and then work with you to create a treatment plan.
As always, if you need to talk to someone immediately, please contact our crisis hotline at 1-800-826-1306.
