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What can I do to calm myself down?

38 Answers
Last Updated: 05/23/2022 at 2:50pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
positiveWhisper24
April 10th, 2015 10:43pm
Breathe. Check out this amazing guide for anxiety by 7 cups: http://www.7cups.com/anxiety-help/ There's a part in there that talks about diaphragmatic breathing. THIS WORKS. It helps. It's going to be okay. You will get through this. Take a slow deep breath into you stomach. Hold it for a second. Then just lightly let it go. You will be okay.
FlowerInDisguise19
April 11th, 2015 8:15am
Take a deep breath, relax, count to 10 and close your eyes and think positive thoughts. This will help if you need to calm down in a situation.
blanket7
February 2nd, 2016 7:36pm
You can try coloring, being with friends, family and pets, sleeping, watching something funny, reading and meditation.
Jennifer164
February 27th, 2018 11:17am
Taking deep breathes,listening to slow music,drinking plenty of water,try to think about all the positive things that have happened with you and count to ten.I hope you feel relaxed really soon.
brightOcean69
April 25th, 2016 8:33pm
sit down and take a deep breath close your eyes and count to ten listen to your breathing and listen to your heart beat this should help you calm down
colourfulUnicorns83
May 2nd, 2016 10:21pm
Practice breathing exercises. Tell yourself that this will pass or that this is anxiety and i will be okay.
SarahLove
May 23rd, 2016 10:22pm
Just count to ten and breathe. Tell yourself you are calm. If you need a good cry, just let it pour. You'll feel much better afterwards.
HuddlesWillAlwaysListen
July 12th, 2016 2:43am
There are some coping skills to calm yourself down. As for one that I use a lot: I like to pretend there are lemons in my hands and squeeze them as hard as I can with my eyes closed and taking a deep breath at the same time. It usually can help, but it's different with everyone.
CarefreeSoul
July 19th, 2016 9:21am
Bring your focus to something else, whether that be your breath, something you can see/hear around you, the texture of something you can touch. Go for a walk or a run, let go of everything you're thinking about.
Toby1996
July 26th, 2016 10:31pm
Try Meditation. Meditating helps you develop awareness. It's not supposed to calm you down, but I always feel calm after meditating.
Anonymous
October 10th, 2016 2:39pm
Do breathing exercises, listen to music loud, read a book, go for a walk, dance, meditate, sing. Or play some instrument if you can :)
SilvariAetherheart
October 17th, 2016 3:42am
Meditation. Its awkwards at frist. but once you start to learn to focus on your breathing it get so much easier to just calm yourself
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2018 11:55pm
Focus on your breathing, give yourself time to relax. Try calming music if needed to help distract and let your mind relax.
naturalSunshine2980
May 23rd, 2022 2:50pm
There are many things you can do to calm yourself down. You can focus on your breathing and not focus on what is causing you anxiety or stress. You can also further distract your mind by talking a nice walk, reading a great book, taking a hot shower, practice meditation, and the possibilties are truly endless. You can always chat in to us here at 7 cups if you are unable to calm yourself down. It can be challenging, especially if it is your first time doing so. You can even go for a drive too, which is what I do while blasting some of my favorite songs. Best of luck to you!
musicalEnergy94
April 3rd, 2018 4:43pm
some ways that i can calm myself down in by doing yoga. i try to relax then i move on to my next goal and then the next goal. the more i can get done the more time i have to relax and meditate by listening to calming music ect.
Ratzer
April 17th, 2018 10:22am
The first step is always to breathe. Whenever we experience anxiety or fueled emotions it effects our heart rate which can in turn fuel our emotions further. When we focus on breathing we can learn to control our heart rate in difficult moments and gain some clarity.
ZacharyK
July 16th, 2018 4:41pm
Breathing exercises, Guided Imagery, Practicing a Hobby, Playing Sports, Watching movies etc. Really anything that makes you feel comfortable.
Scarlettxox
December 25th, 2018 12:06am
What helps me is stopping and taking a breath. Then I do one of two things, either I count or I go to a beach in my head and let my muscles sink into the warm sand. Sometimes I draw my emotions and that usually helps me, other times I bake or cook. Usually keeping my mind occupied and taking a minute or two away from the situation helps me. When I am with another person, I just ask to table the conversation and if asked why explain that I don't want to react in an unwanted way because my emotions are all over the place and I am not in a calm state of mind.
Anonymous
May 18th, 2020 3:27am
I can take some time to let myself rest a . for example i could play some games or do my hobbies to unwind. I could talk to a friend or even just go out and take a walk. Or i could just not do anything and sleep a little and reflect on my actions or why i am upset. I could try to settle things calmly with the other person and try to understand and empathize where they are coming from. I could tell myself to tell myself that it isn't such a big thing and i should rationalise.
Liliesandroses121
July 26th, 2021 9:16pm
You can do breathing exercises. You can do yoga or go for a walk. If you believe in a religion you can pray. You can meditate. You can close your eyes and imagine a beautiful environment. You can tell yourself 'I am calm'. It may seem ytrange but it helps me. You can ask friends or family for a hug or you can pet an animal. You can make yoursel a cip of camomille tea, or any flavor you prefer. Id advise against black tea or strong green tea, because they can fill you with even more energy. You can recall happy memories. Again, uf you belive in a religion you can think about the kindness of your god. You can try to take a nap, wash your face with cold water or watch funny videos. All of these have worked for me before.
Geveda
February 10th, 2015 9:51pm
Take deep breaths, do something relaxing. When you're not in a position to completely change what it is that you're doing, then find little distractions to think about instead. Like the good things that have happened that day or previously, or even just thinking about little songs that cheer you up or something. Just to get you through that current moment of stress or nervousness.
SoftBlanket40
August 31st, 2015 7:53pm
Try to control your breathing as much as you can, isolate yourself from whatever stress or distraction that may be around you, and clear you head from all the negative thoughts, keep yourself focused on one thing: No situation lasts forever, everything will be okay, even the worst things come to an end.
OptimisticOmega
April 1st, 2015 3:12pm
Read a good book, write a story, have a relaxing bubble bath, watch youtube videos, drink a cup of tea/hot chocolate, surround yourself with people, and deep breaths. (:
VioletFlame
May 20th, 2015 4:39pm
The common remedy of counting to ten really does work, though some upsets might find me counting as high as 50 or 75! The point is to put some distance between yourself and the uncalming event or thoughts. Creating literal distance is best in some instances, walking away to compose oneself/regroup (even if you merely visit the lavatory. Actually, the sound of running water can be calming and as warmth is soothing, running warm water over your hands while you're in there provides an added calmative.) In a spot where you can't just walk away? Turn your attention inward and tske about 20 deep breaths to center yourself. /__\
mad22
May 21st, 2015 11:13am
First of all Just seat down and take deep breath. It seems you are very frustrated. I can understand what you are feeling. You are strong enough to fight these small problem. Don't worry we are with you. You have to refer any professional help or refer 7CupOfTeas guide.
FindYourLostHorizon
May 23rd, 2015 3:50pm
The quickest way to calm yourself down is to focus your attention as much as you can on what is happening around and within you right now in the present moment you are experiencing. Try to focus on your body, the sensations you feel in your muscles, your lungs, your heart. The subtle sensations we take for granted every day. Try to watch your breath, but without trying to control it. See if you can witness yourself breathing without consciously breathing in and out yourself. The breath is automatic, but to be able to witness it really takes the mind away from stress and into a feeling of calm.
alwaystherex
August 10th, 2015 4:10pm
To calm yourself down get really nice up beat or sad music and ly down on your bed and listen to it
jenstar78
August 10th, 2015 9:22pm
I calm myself down in different way. Going swimming, drinking cool water, playing a game on my phone or tablet, or chatting with a listener here on 7 Cups.
Heavenlyhorizons
August 11th, 2015 3:56pm
Breathe! Think of happy thoughts, do something that makes you happy and if you want to... perhaps drink some tea. Also most importantly smile :) Soon enough you should feel calm.
martinko
August 14th, 2015 3:31pm
Relaxing and do diapraghmatic breating.