Calming Down Techniques
Calming down is a self-compassion skill that may be developed and practiced. We've all had those moments when we've lost our cool. This year, we've probably had a couple more of those than normal. This time period has put us to the test in whole new ways, and most of us can recall a recent instance of flipping our lid. It may have been during the second month of quarantine, when we were stress-washing a recently arrived jar of peanut butter, for some. Others may have been triggered by a negative statement from our partner or a defiant outburst from our children. The point is that we all become activated, and we don't always have control over the wave of feeling that washes over us. What we have control over is how we react to it. Patience and self-compassion are required for calming down. It's a talent we may develop by recognizing what's happening in our brains when we're feeling overwhelmed and taking steps to assist ourselves reactivate our cerebral corte...