eremedies

How to Stay Calm

You have an upcoming deadline, $3 left in your bank account, someone is yelling at you, you've stubbed your toe, and the phone just rang! Avoid panicking with these simple steps.

* Take a deep breath and count to ten. As simple and childish as it sounds, it gives you a moment to collect your thoughts and concentrate on just one thing.

* Learn to ignore some constant annoyances. If the phone is always ringing, make sure you have voice mail and tell all the important people to leave messages. Then never worry about sprinting to catch the phone on the last ring. The same goes for the doorbell - unless you are expecting someone, why should you always answer? Apply this principle to email and any other little thing that is NOT so important to you.

* Prioritize and plan. Give yourself a minute to plan out what you are going to do, and unfurrow your brow. Shrug your shoulders and let the panic melt away.

* If you are struggling and having trouble breathing, know what to do. Check here to find out if you have the symptoms and how to combat them.

* Know your triggers. Find out what makes you go so crazy and try to prevent them from happening. Tell your kids not to shout, turn off the ringer, set up a budget, and plan your projects in advance. It will help you keep from burning out and help you keep your cool.