How to handle crisis

hOW TO HANDLE A CRISIS 

In times of crisis, it can be challenging to cope with our emotions. This can lead us to feelings of despair, anxiousness, and depression. In this week's blog post, we want to offer some tips on handling crises. ​

How to cope with tension and fear: 

• Deep breaths: take deep and gentle breaths through your nose, exhaling slowly through your mouth
  • Try thinking positive thoughts or relaxing words as you breathe to help ease your anxiety.  
• Take a break: Sometimes, it helps to take a short break and think of a happy place or memory. 
  • Try taking a short 3-5 minute break. Visualize a place or memory that makes you feel calm, and try to put yourself back in that place by imagining the sounds, smells, and feelings of that memory. 

How to reduce worry:

• Write down your negative thoughts.
  • Try writing down your negative thoughts as they come to you. Write what you are feeling and what brought on those feelings. 
  • This is also a great option when you can't sleep.
    • Write down your thoughts and remind yourself that it is time to rest, not focus on concerns.
• Schedule a time to worry. 
  • Try scheduling a time to worry and sit with your thoughts. By doing so, you may realize these thoughts don't hold as much power over you as you thought.

Additional Tips: ​​

• Be realistic on how you are feeling and what you can accomplish while feeling this way 
• Maintain a daily routine 
• Talk to family, friends, coworkers, or a professional 
• Practice relaxation, including progressive muscle relaxation (allow your muscles to relax gently)
• Meditate 
• Practice self-care and self-soothing techniques 

We hope you find these tips helpful. As always, reach out to a professional if you need help.