While the ability to remain calm in the face of challenge is often listed as a key skill within a job application, it’s useful outside of the professional realm, too. After all, being able to remain calm during a personal crisis means that you continue to mark smart, calculated conditions that will protect your best interests.
Of course, remaining calm during a tumultuous situation is often easier said than done, especially if you’re unsure what the outcome will be. With that in mind, here are some strategies that you may find useful during this time.
Keep stress at a manageable level.
As mentioned above, keeping your cool in the face of a crisis, while not easy, is essential. Otherwise, you may act out of stress, fear or anger as opposed to acting logically, which could make an already precarious situation much worse.
Various studies have explored the link between stress and cognitive function, finding that when dealing with excessive or prolonged stress, “there is a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which promotes lower cognitive functioning and sends the brain into a chaotic state. In this state, the brain is unable to access the information it needs to make logical decisions.”
As such, it’s vital that you find effective ways to manage negative emotions. For example, this could include mediating and deep breathing exercises or finding release through exercise and activity.
Seek out professional help.
There’s no shame in seeking out support when going through a crisis. In fact, this is often one of the best things to do. For example, if you’re dealing with legal troubles or have been accused of committing a serious crime, hiring a Criminal Solicitor is essential.
After all, they’ll be able to provide you with expert insight into the charges you are facing and the court system as a whole. They’ll also help you to develop your defence, helping you fight against any convictions.
Rely on your support network.
Many people find it difficult to open up when going through tough times, preferring to keep their struggles to themselves. While this is understandable, especially if you don’t want to worry others, they say a problem shared is a problem halved for a reason!
Opening up to and relying on your support network during this time means that you’ll always have someone to turn to when you need it – whether you want sage advice or a shoulder to cry on.
Develop a plan of action.
Putting together a plan of action to resolve your personal crisis can also help when it comes to remaining calm. After all, whether you’re trying to work your way out of debt or finding a new job after being fired, it gives you a framework to follow moving forward. This way, you know exactly what to do and when and can organise your time accordingly. This allows you to work towards a much quicker solution to your problem, effectively reducing any stress or anxiety you are dealing with.