Most people experience some form of nerves or anxiety at some point in their lives. For some, it is a occasional thing that happens before a big event, like public speaking. For others, it is more chronic, happening every day and impacting quality of life. If you are struggling with how to calm your nerves on a regular basis, there are steps you can take to manage your anxiety and live a calmer life.
First, it is important to understand what causes your nerves or anxiety. Is it related to something specific like social situations or heights? Or is it more generalised and unrelated to any particular trigger? Once you know what causes your anxiety, you can start to address it. If your anxiety is linked to a specific event or situation, try exposure therapy where you gradually expose yourself to the thing that makes you anxious in a controlled setting. This can help de sensitise you to the trigger and reduce your overall anxiety levels.
If your anxiety is more generalised, there are still things you can do to calm yourself down. Regular exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety by releasing endorphins which have mood-boosting effects. Meditation and relaxation techniques can also be helpful in managing stress levels and helping you feel.
Just breathe
When you’re feeling nervous, the first thing you should do is take a deep breath. Breathing deeply will help relax your whole body, and it’s a good way to calm your nerves.
If you’re still feeling anxious, there are a few other things you can try. First, try to focus on something else. If you’re worried about an upcoming test, for example, distract yourself by listening to music or reading a book. Second, get some exercise. Exercise releases endorphins that can improve your mood and make you feel calmer. Finally, don’t forget to eat healthy and get enough sleep. Both of these things are important for keeping your body and mind healthy and stress-free.
Close your eyes and count to 10 slowly
For some people, simply closing their eyes is enough to start feeling calmer. If you find that counting helps you focus, then by all means go ahead and count those numbers off slowly in your head. And if it feels good to do so aloud, even better! The key is just to get yourself into a more relaxed state so that you can better deal with whatever situation is causing you stress.
Chew a piece of gum
For some people, chewing gum can help calm nerves and ease anxiety. The act of chewing can help to distract from anxious thoughts, and the gum itself can have a calming effect. Chewing gum also increases saliva production, which can help to reduce feelings of dry mouth or throat tension that can contribute to anxiety.
Phone a friend preferably a funny one
Regarding finding ways to calm your nerves, there is no shortage of options. But sometimes the most effective solution is also the simplest: call a friend.
Preferably, choose a friend who makes you laugh. Laughter has an amazing ability to diffuse tension and lower stress levels. So even if your chat with your buddy is totally mundane, the act of laughing together can do wonders for your nerves.
If you don’t have a funny friend on speed dial, don’t worry. Just calling someone who makes you feel good can be helpful in calming your nerves. Sometimes simply hearing a friendly voice is all it takes to start feeling better. So reach out to someone who cares about you and let them know what’s going on. Chances are they’ll be more than happy to lend a listening ear and offer some words of support or encouragement.
And if all else fails, remember that talking to yourself can be therapeutic too! Sometimes the best person to calm your nerves is yourself. So take a deep breath, close your eyes, and give yourself a pep talk full of positive affirmations. Remember: you’re strong, capable, and worth it!
Smell lavender
Lavender is one of the most versatile and popular essential oils. Its floral, fresh aroma can instantly create a sense of relaxation, making it perfect for use in aromatherapy. Lavender oil is also known for its ability to soothe skin irritations and calm the mind, making it a popular choice for natural beauty products and home remedies.
If you’re looking for a natural way to relax and ease anxiety, try using lavender oil. You can add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathtub or diffuser to enjoy its calming benefits. You can also apply diluted lavender oil topically to your temples or neck when you’re feeling stressed out.
Whether you use it in aromatherapy or topically, lavender oil is safe for most people when used as directed. However, if you have sensitive skin, be sure to test the oil on a small patch of skin before using it more broadly. And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using any essential oils.
Curl up with your cat or dog
Dogs and cats make excellent emotional support animals. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, spending some time with your furry friend can help you feel better. Cuddling, petting, and playing with your dog or cat can reduce stress hormones in your body and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, which have calming and mood-boosting effects. In addition to providing companionship and love, spending time with your pet can help you feel less isolated and lonely.
If you don’t have a dog or cat of your own, consider visiting a local animal shelter. Spending time with animals has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression.
Listen to calming music
Calming music can be very helpful when you are feeling anxious or stressed. There are many different types of calming music, so you may need to experiment to find the type that works best for you. One option is to try relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or deep breathing exercises while listening to the music. You may also want to try using earplugs or headphones to help block out distractions and focus on the music.
Exercise your body
If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, one of the best things you can do is get moving. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps to take your mind off whatever is causing your stress.
So go for a run, hit the gym, or just take a brisk walk around the block. You’ll be feeling better in no time!