Anna Barnes - How to Be Calm

HOW TO BE CALM

Copyright Summersdale Publishers Ltd, 2016

Design by Luci Ward

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eISBN: 978-1-78372-706-3

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

In a busy and hectic world, we could all benefit from slowing down and creating some peace, space and calm for ourselves. Truly reaching a state of calm might seem unattainable, but with practice it is possible and the impact it can have on your life is immeasurable. A certain amount of pressure can be good for us. It can drive us to take action and feel more energised. If left unchecked, however, pressure can escalate and affect every part of our life, from our diet, to our social life, and how well we sleep at night. Whether you encounter stress at work or at home, the easy-to-follow tips in this book will help you to free your mind of worries and handle the strains of life with greater ease. There is no quick fix, but these tips will start you on the path to a new, calmer outlook.

Techniques for Being Calm

Youve made a good start in your search for calm by simply deciding to read about the topic. Within this book youll find tips that will help you to allay your anxieties, along with simple techniques to relax your body and mind.

IDENTIFY CONTROL & THE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU FRET

Over the course of two weeks, write down all the things that make you feel anxious or stressed, be they places, people or situations. Rate these stresses on a scale from one to ten, with one being only slightly stressful and ten being the most stressful. Once you have identified your high-stress triggers you can take steps to eliminate them; for example, if getting the bus to work is a high-stress situation for you, try cycling or walking (which gives you the added benefit of extra exercise).

Slow down

One of the first things to do in order to build inner calm is to simply slow down. Many of us are living our lives at an ever-faster pace, and trying to balance a whole range of commitments from work to family to relationships. This can leave us feeling restless and frustrated when we are forced to stop, for instance when we have to queue. Combat this by taking those moments when your bus is late, or when you are stuck in traffic, to do something relaxing like deep breathing or listening to music.

Enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer by spending more time in your garden, local park or woods. Being in natural surroundings can bring a real sense of tranquillity. Going for a walk along the beach, through the fields or even just in your garden can improve your mood, ease muscle tension and lower blood pressure. Feeling close to nature can give you the boost you need to keep calm in stressful situations.

THERE IS A SERENE AND SETTLED MAJESTY TO WOODLAND SCENERY THAT ENTERS INTO THE SOUL AND DELIGHTS AND ELEVATES IT, AND FILLS IT WITH NOBLE INCLINATIONS.

Washington Irving

ENJOY A TREAT A DAY

If youre feeling low, tense or anxious, try doing something nice, however small, each day to lift your spirits. Whether its putting fresh sheets on the bed, making time to watch your favourite film or TV programme, disappearing under a blanket to read a book, cooking a nice meal or seeing a friend, having something to look forward to throughout the day will help you through and raise your positivity levels. Look at your diary regularly and make sure you have enough going on each week to keep you occupied and happy. And you dont have to spend money to have fun: on a sunny evening go for a walk in the local park; when its cold, head to a friends house or investigate the free events in your local area.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO ENJOY YOUR LIFE
TO BE HAPPY
- ITS ALL THAT MATTERS.

Audrey Hepburn

MAKE A TO-DO LIST

Whether at work or at home, if you have lists of tasks going round in your head, this can cause stress and worry. The simple act of writing a to-do list and crossing each item off as it is done is very cathartic, and adds structure to your day-to-day life, helping you to feel organised and calm, and giving your brain licence to switch off when it comes to bedtime. Remember, you dont have to cross off every item; just making the list is progress.

Set peace of
mind as your
highest goal,
and organise your life around it.

Brian Tracy

BE PREPARED

If an upcoming event or situation makes you feel tense or uneasy, do your best to prepare for it. This might sound like common sense, but when feeling anxious we sometimes forget to approach things logically. If you have to take a test or an exam, draw up a revision timetable in advance so you can cover all the ground required. If youre worried about giving a presentation at work, spend plenty of time preparing and perhaps ask a colleague to present with you. If youre a nervous driver and the thought of having to use the car scares you, try a driving refresher course. Being prepared for a situation will help you to relax.

The time to relax is when you dont have time for it.

Sydney J. Harris

INVEST IN SOME ME TIME

We often lead very busy lives and spend our time rushing between one task and the next both in the workplace and at home. This constant high-speed, high-pressure living can lead to high stress levels. Simply taking a little time out for yourself every so often can help you to recharge your batteries, and can also help you to concentrate better and feel more positive. At work, taking a walk in the fresh air during your lunch break can help you feel grounded. At home, taking the time to call a friend or read a chapter of a book between tasks will help you to feel more relaxed.