11 Ways To Keep Your Cool In Any Situation

No one can predict when stressful situations will occur. That's just the way life works. But here are 11 helpful ways to deal with everyday stress, brought to you by State Farm®.

1. Consider the scale of your problems.

Via davidjosephhorn.wordpress.com

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking every little thing is a major catastrophe. If you're upset, take a few moments and consider your problems in a broader context.

2. Don't forget to breathe!

Via gemini-dragon-gifs.tumblr.com

Breathing deeply through your belly calms your nervous system. Even one or two deep breaths will help you stay calm when you find yourself in an argument or prior to a public presentation.

3. Talk about your feelings with your family or friends.

Via poozytywnie.tumblr.com

It's easy to get trapped in your own head when you hit a rough patch. Talking to friends and family is a great way to get stuff off your chest and find support.

4. Unless this is your family...

Via says-me.tumblr.com

In which case, you'd need to rely on your friends.

5. Stay off social media; it will only makes things worse.

JUrquhart

If you are losing your cool, take some time to process your thoughts before posting a diatribe on Facebook or Twitter. Oftentimes, you'll find your initial reactions don't correspond with reality.

6. Take a personal day.

Via effigyyy.tumblr.com

In today's fast-paced world, mental health days are more important than ever. But sadly, they are underutilized.

7. Meditation can get you off the hamster wheel of negative thinking.

Via youtube.com

Most forms of meditation teach you how to be mindful of your feelings and surroundings. Sometimes all it takes to calm down is awareness of the things that are making you upset.

8. Go spend time in your happy place.

Via felix-ocean.tumblr.com

If you aren't able to physically go to that place, take a moment and let your mind wander through memories of that location.

9. Combat stress with healthy food.

Via youtube.com

It's tempting to eat junk food when you're under stress, but this often leaves you feeling gross and tired. On the other hand, certain natural foods (like avocados, raspberries, and asparagus) contain nutrients that combat the stress response.

10. Exercise produces natural anti-anxiety chemicals in your brain.

Via hungry-belly-hintsandtips.tumblr.com

A hard workout is a great way to calm down.

11. And finally, spend time with some animal friends.

Via bitchimkurukafa.tumblr.com

Dogs and cats have special powers to melt away stress.

Via samir.tumblr.com