Many situations in day-to-day life can cause stress and anxiety. Pressure at work, an argument with a loved one or an endless to-do list can all leave you seeking a way to calm down so you can refocus and solve the problem or accomplish the task at hand. There are several natural ways that you can gently calm down, improve your health and change your perspective to help you deal with daily challenges.
Exercise
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), research suggests that physically active persons have reduced rates of anxiety compared to sedentary individuals. This is likely due to the role of exercise in allowing the brain to deal more efficiently with stress and increasing the body's ability to respond to it in a more beneficial manner. Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, biking or dancing at least 30 minutes most days of the week to regularly manage stress levels. When you need to calm down but don't have time for a full workout, go for a 10-minute walk to clear your head and refresh your perspective.
Walk Away
When you find yourself in a confrontation and feel your anger level rising, walk away from the situation. Tell the other person you need to take a break and suggest he do the same. Remove yourself from the argument before you lash out. Change your environment by stepping outside or going into a quiet room. Breathe deeply and count to 10. Evaluate the issue from both perspectives as you gather your thoughts. Return to the individual and report your views on the issue in a civilized manner.
Breathing and Visualizing
The APA suggests learning and practicing relaxation techniques as a way to deal with stress and anxiety. Perform breathing exercises to calm your mind and body. Sit up straight, rest your arms gently at your sides and breathe in deeply through your nose. Hold the breath for a few seconds and then breathe out through your mouth forcefully as you purse your lips, repeating the process 10 times. Visualizing is a process where you escape to a safe and comforting environment in your mind. Close your eyes and choose your place, such as a beach, in front of a warm fireplace or in bed on a weekend morning. Engage yourself in the environment, analyzing the details of what you see and what you feel. Breathe deeply and relax there for 5 to 10 minutes.
Yoga
According to Harvard Medical School, yoga can reduce anxiety by positively influencing the body's response to stress. Yoga can be practiced at a studio, fitness center or through videos at home. Start with a beginner's class one to two times per week and practice regularly to gain stress-reducing benefits. In addition, you can use the breathing practices and poses learned in sessions as a relaxation technique to take a quick break from stressful situations.
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