How can you keep yourself calm?

There are instances in life where you cannot change the circumstances. Some circumstances catch your nerve and trigger you to react in ways that you lose yourself. Sharing with you a list of things, I have tried in my life on various occasions to maintain my calm when something unpleasant happens in my surrounding. Things did not happen overnight. I constantly reminded myself of trying different things on different occasions and gradually they are part of my life.

1) Take a Pause.  When I feel triggered, I try to wait for a few seconds before taking the immediate action that comes to my mind.

2) Closing my eyes for a few seconds. There are few people in life whose anger, words, and expressions trigger unwanted emotions in life. Some situations, when I see the mess that I might have not expect at that moment can churn my head. It is one of the ways to take a pause, to process the response.

3) Focusing on my breath. Different breathing exercises help to calm the mind for the long run. I have found Kapalbhati Pranayama and OM chanting pranayama has helped me to relax. While in the situation, I try to focus on my breaths, take deep breaths, and blow air from my mouth making an ‘O’ shape mouth; helps to release the negative emotions that are coming my way.

4) Chant a mantra. Gayatri mantra chanting, in mind, as well as verbally rescued me on many occasions. You can choose anything that can help to soothe you. “All is well” from the ‘Three Idiots’ movie can be your mantra.

5) Music. Singing, humming, and listening to music is a wonderful way to relax the mind. If nothing strikes, I start singing nursery rhymes. I have also tried singing my feelings creating my lyrics and tune, who cares if it is off tune. Sometimes school prayers can help.

6) Gratitude. I repeatedly start saying in my mind thank you, thank you for a few seconds. You can think of it as chanting to take a pause. A gratitude journal is part of my life. On daily basis, I write: Thank you God for________________, because_______________. If a certain event is triggering anxiety or fear or any other negative emotion, I sit down and write, gratitude related to that situation. This is a supreme form to shift the energy that is recommended by many.

7) Journaling. To understand deeper and process; what could be the reasons, facts, and feelings for the current situation that I am not liking; journaling is a great way to self-coach. It creates awareness and I also prefer to end it with faith.
8) Offering prayer at the prayer area. Many religious places have an environment that brings calmness deep within. It is a matter of faith. Occasionally burning incense sticks, offering flowers, and lighting lamps in front of the deity at home also help. Chose your ways of spirituality that can help you to calm yourself.

9) Step away. Moving away from the negative zone can bring a shift in the vibes. Go out for a walk. Observe every other thing that you can see around. Breathe nature. Touch and feel different objects surrounding me. Hearing other sounds surrounded by the nature. All of these can bring a shift in the energy that I am carrying within me.

10) Meditation. Choose your way by trying different typesand techniques of meditation. If you want a deep state of relaxation, meditation will enhance physical and emotional well-being. Start practicing it for a minute and then you can gradually increase your time.

11) Aromatherapy. I have lavender oil, lemongrass oil, eucalyptus oil, and orange oil which I use in a diffuser to help myself soothe. Burning camphor, and bay leaves are a few things that are part of my life. You can try other essential oils of your choice.

12) Saltwater bath. Different salts provide relaxation. You can add them as part of your life. 

13) Others. There are many other therapy, tools, and techniques used by different experts to help individuals. Few are grounding techniques, tapping solutions, healing, therapy, and life coaching that can helpunderstand the route cause and help to move ahead in life rather than remaining stuck in life.