Q&A for How to Calm Down

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How do I relax my brain?

Chloe Carmichael, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Author of Nervous Energy
Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over 12 years of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.”

Chloe Carmichael, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Author of Nervous Energy

Expert Answer

Brainstorm five different thoughts you can think about when you become overwhelmed. For example, you could think about upcoming birthday or holiday shopping, your weekend plans, or which gym class you want to try. The goal is to come up with a mental shortlist in advance so that you're prepared.

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Question

How can I stop being so nervous all of the time?

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA
Mental Health Counselor
Karissa Brennan is a licensed Mental Health Counselor, Distance Credentialed Counselor, and Psychotherapist based in New York City with over 9 years of experience. She received her MA in Mental Health Counseling from the City College of New York in 2011. She is a member of the International Society for Mental Health Online.

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA

Mental Health Counselor

Expert Answer

To stay present, try using the Grounding 54321 game: a technique that works by taking your focus off your anxious feelings and causing you to focus on your surroundings instead. Essentially, it’s a distraction trick that – with a bit of effort – takes your mind away from your feeling of uneasiness and brings your focus back to reality. To play, name five things you can see in the room with you. Name four things you can feel. Name three things you can hear right now. Name two things you can smell right now. Name one good thing about yourself.

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Question

Can yoga relieve stress?

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA
Mental Health Counselor
Karissa Brennan is a licensed Mental Health Counselor, Distance Credentialed Counselor, and Psychotherapist based in New York City with over 9 years of experience. She received her MA in Mental Health Counseling from the City College of New York in 2011. She is a member of the International Society for Mental Health Online.

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA

Mental Health Counselor

Expert Answer

Yes. Yoga can help you to remain in the moment and accept what comes up in your thoughts. It builds mindful awareness, which is a mindset that allows for more natural reactions or learned behaviors/attitudes without judgment.

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Question

What if I don't have anyone to talk to, not even friends?

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA
Mental Health Counselor
Karissa Brennan is a licensed Mental Health Counselor, Distance Credentialed Counselor, and Psychotherapist based in New York City with over 9 years of experience. She received her MA in Mental Health Counseling from the City College of New York in 2011. She is a member of the International Society for Mental Health Online.

Karissa Brennan, LMHC, MA

Mental Health Counselor

Expert Answer

Friends can't always say the right thing to calm you down, and they won't always be there to help. One of the best ways to calm down is to come back to the present moment using a quick mindfulness technique. Choose something you do daily, such as brushing your teeth or answering the phone and do it mindfully for a little while. You can also take the first two bites of your meal mindfully, paying attention to the texture, sound, flavors, scents, all of your senses.

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