Have you ever felt like you were just DONE with all the stress?  If only you could get away from it all?  I get it!  I’ve felt that way too – and now, with “social distancing” and “self isolation” becoming a necessary part of life, we have fewer options that help us get away.  That is why it is so very important to practice calming strategies … they really, REALLY do help! The next time you find yourself in a bit of a panic, or you find that worry and anxiety seem to be all you can feel, or you just want to scream at your siblings (or your parents :/) …take a few minutes to try some of these tips and tricks, and see if they can help you find your calm.

5 Quick Ways to Calm Down

• Imagine your favorite place – it’s like taking a mini vacation wherever you are

• Think of your favorite things

• Name animals alphabetically (alligator, bear, cow, dog, etc…)

• Squeeze Something (play dough, clay, silly putty, your fists, a stress ball)

• Get a Cold Drink of Water

Tomorrow I’ll be posting about 2 other ways to settle your mind…Deep Breathing and Grounding. As always, you are welcome to connect via the email link in the menu bar (don’t worry, it doesn’t get posted!) and let me know how you are managing – if you need to chat over the phone, that is always an option, too – just let me know!