Stuff I can do
Picture this: You’ve had a rough day. You come home and you can’t find the remote. You’ve been searching for it for two minutes and by this point you’d rather punch the wall. Your other half comes and finds it in no time. You’re frustrated and angry. Does this sound like you?
Stop!
We’ve all been there before, some of us might have handled this in a more impulsive way than others, but here are some tips on how not to break the wall (or your hand) when you’re fuming.
Your heart starts revving
Is your heart beating faster? Are you breathing more quickly? Clenched fists too? The best thing to do in this case is to leave where you are - removing yourself from the situation is sometimes the best thing.
Take a deep breath…
When your blood boils, take a deep breath and count to 10. Focusing on your breathing takes your attention away from what’s angering you, and can help you to calm down.
Slow your breathing
Here’s another trick to help calm you down. Exhale longer than you inhale. This will slow down your breathing and calm you down.
Get active
Doing exercise helps to regulate your stress levels…it’s science! Rather than punching a wall or having a vein pop across your forehead, why not swim, run or walk it off?
Take time for you
It’s all well and good to look after others, but when was the last time you looked after yourself? Make sure you treat yourself from time to time – such as taking a nice bath or going to bed early to get that extra bit of sleep.
Do something creative
Why not get crafty and start a little DIY project? Whether it’s a birdhouse, bench or just something for the garden, it can help take your mind off whatever is bothering you. Just don’t pick up the hammer straight after you’ve had an argument… you might want to listen to some music to calm yourself down first.
Let's talk
We know it can be hard, but there’s no doubt about it – talking helps. Speaking to someone can help lift the weight off your chest and make the problem seem more manageable.
Don’t pressure yourself
Thinking that you have to do something can play with your head. You start to put too much pressure on yourself, and this can get you wired up if something doesn’t go to plan. Give yourself a break – you’re only human.
Useful Videos
Relaxation tips for your mental health
A mindful breathing exercise
Local Help in Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire
If none of our self-help tips work, speak to your GP or ask another medical professional for advice. If you need to speak to someone urgently, CALM or the Samaritans can help. There’s not a one-size-fits-all fix to feeling down – everyone finds different things that suit them. There are a wide range of therapies and medications that can help you feel better, so don’t be ashamed to ask for help.