10 Simple Ways to Calm Your Mind in Stressful Moments

19 Apr 2025 #misc

Yesterday, it took me nearly half an hour to calm down.

I had just rushed to the ER with a loved one. And I simply couldn’t switch off my brain’s fight response. All the stress chemicals must have been at their highest.

Once the emergency passed, my body refused to relax. I was still in fight mode. To take control back, I tricked my brain into focusing on something else: writing a 10-idea list.

Here are some other alternatives to try when stressed:

1. Follow the 3-3-3 breathing rhythm: Inhale for 3 seconds, hold for another 3, and exhale for 3.

2. Write 10 ideas about anything: Give your brain another task.

3. Do some physical exercise: Go running or lift some weights. Move anyway.

4. Listen to Dark Side of the Moon: I’m not a fan of Pink Floyd. In fact, that’s the only album I’ve known from them. But for some reason, I found it relaxing, especially track number 4, The Great Gig in the Sky. I feel those cries of desperation just like mine.

5. Listen to relaxing sounds: A river, ocean, or birds singing.

6. Watch stand-up comedy: You can’t be happy and stressed at the same time. Trick your brain into changing its mood.

7. Watch an episode of a TV show: TV can help you get out of your busy mind and distract you.

8. Meditate: Similar to #1. Repeat a mantra like: “breathe, calm down, and get out of your mind.”

9. Pray: Let your feelings out of your chest.

10. Do some cleaning: Again, it’s a way to trick your brain into doing something else. It helps you get out of your mind and into something physical.