As we all know, there’s no point in panicking or complaining. And yet, in our day-to-day lives, when anger or sadness intrude, we don’t know what to do and we lose our composure. So how do we calm down? Here are 6 soothing tips for staying calm in difficult times.

1 – Don’t panic and stay calm

We get bad news, we experience a setback, and then it’s drama. Our thoughts go in all directions, and above all, they panic. They’re full of stress and fear: “What if it’s all over? What will become of me?”

In fact, without realizing it, when things don’t go as we planned, we dramatize them.

We see everything in black and give in to the general panic.

And yet, we know that this hurts us more than anything else, but we can’t help it.

So how do we stay calm in difficult times?

First and foremost, it’s important not to overdramatize. Indeed, when bad news hits you, when you experience a setback, breathe and accept what is.

In fact, stop brooding about what should have been and, above all, stop imagining what will be in the more or less near future.

Because you’re not in a state to think, all you do is dramatize and panic.

So, close your eyes and accept what is: “Okay, bad news just hit me. I’m disappointed, angry, sad, offended… But, I accept what is.”

Period.

Don’t think about yesterday or tomorrow. Focus on now, because only then can you stay calm.

2 – Saying “That’s the way it is” and keeping calm

A ” That’s the way it is” not said in a tragic way. Rather, it’s said in a calm, courageous way.

Because you can’t stop bad news, failures and blows of fate falling into your lap. In fact, your one and only responsibility is to make the best of what happens.

In other words, it’s up to you to take new action, to start afresh with what has just fallen into your lap.

Because that’s what staying calm is all about.

It’s about accepting what is and rolling up your sleeves with dignity, calm and courage.

What do you think?

3 – Don’t let yourself be consumed by feelings of injustice

The thing that most prevents us from bouncing back after a setback, or getting up again in a difficult moment, is letting ourselves be consumed by feelings of injustice.

Because, yes, there is bad news that seems really unfair, but as long as we let that feeling of injustice get the better of us, we can’t move forward.

In fact, it’s important to understand that nothing is fair and nothing is unfair. Things are. Life is.

In other words, don’t let yourself be consumed by a sense of injustice that has no place.

Let it go, because it’s only slowing you down – worse, it’s drowning you.

Remember: staying calm in difficult times means no longer letting yourself be consumed by a feeling of injustice that has no place.

4 – Don’t act right away and stay calm

The big problem when we’re going through a difficult time in life is that we tend to get agitated in all directions.

We don’t react in any particular way, and very often we exhaust ourselves for nothing, if we don’t make things worse.

So, to stay calm in difficult times is above all not to act immediately, but to ask ourselves the right questions.

In other words, take a deep breath, sit down in front of a sheet of paper or your computer and write.

What’s going on? What are you feeling? Why do you feel the way you do? How can you feel calmer? What would you do to make the best of what you’ve got?

Take the time to ask yourself the right questions and answer them calmly.

5 – Look for opportunities

Our first instinct when we experience failure or bad news is to look at the door that has just closed in front of us.

What’s more, we cling to the handle of this now closed door. We try to open it at all costs.

To stay calm, we have to take a step to the side and realize that the window has opened.

Because, yes, a door is closing, but a window has opened.

Maybe it’s not what you wanted, maybe you can’t even see the window, but know that a window has opened somewhere.

So breathe and hope.

Because a new path is taking shape beneath your feet. So move on.

6 – See it as a test and stay calm

When we have a project or a goal, we usually throw ourselves into it headlong. The problem is that when bad news or a setback gets in the way, we lose our nerve.

In fact, we start to doubt in the face of difficulty. When, on the contrary, we could be using this difficulty to strengthen our determination to succeed.

What do you think?

Because who said it would be quick and easy? No one did.

Because achieving a goal is neither easy nor quick. Because the things that matter most are often the things that are hardest to achieve.

So, to stay calm in the face of adversity, understand that you have the choice of giving up or, on the contrary, asserting your determination even more.

Which will it be?

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Everyday serenity: 10 tips for a calmer you
Discover Difficult moments: 20 phrases to make you feel better

I recommend this inspiring book:

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, wrote the Meditations as a series of personal writings. The book is a timeless guide to staying calm in difficult times, offering an insight into Stoic philosophy. In it, Aurelius explores the principles of resilience, acceptance and self-discipline, offering practical wisdom for overcoming difficulties with a serene mind. The Meditations remain a source of inspiration for those seeking tranquility and strength in the face of adversity, making them a classic guide to keeping calm in difficult times.

This book has proved an invaluable ally in my daily life. Its ability to condense fundamental knowledge into short but powerful segments makes it a quick and accessible learning tool. The information it contains is practical and applicable, contributing significantly to my stock of useful knowledge. The clarity of the author’s presentation facilitates the assimilation of complex concepts, transforming reading into an enriching experience. An ideal companion for anyone seeking a source of practical wisdom to enhance their daily lives.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself