That almost sounds similar to a set up question like, “Are you sitting down?” However, I am genuinely asking you if you see yourself as calm? If you are like a major percentage of the population your honest answer may be “No.” I mean think about it – pandemic, inflation, fires, floods, wars and increased tensions on the world stage – it’s a wonder that anybody could be calm. And yet, some manage to be just that.
I want to adapt four strategies from Dr. Alice Boyes, that she has found effective.
- Get all of the information you need to help prevent you from jumping to conclusions. It is so easy to see something happen, and without knowing all of the facts, make huge assumptions that can lead us to panic.
- Distinguish between a bump in the road and the road being washed out. For example, you may inadvertently get a parking ticket. It is frustrating but it doesn’t have to ruin your whole day.
- Determine if there is additional information that you need. Sometimes we have a bad experience simply because we didn’t have all the information that we needed. We can always learn, which can de-escalate our fears.
- When possible, debrief as opposed to venting. Continued venting about a situation may contribute to further aggravation. However, debriefing with a trusted friend can ratchet down our heightened emotions.
- And I would add a 5th step and encourage you to remember – ultimately, God is in control. When I really wrap my head around that, calmness is much less elusive.