Take a break

Ask yourself what the older and wiser version of yourself would do.

Keep an open mind

Closed, calculating minds are the root of ignorance. Nothing changes if all minds are certain - remember that people once believed the world to be flat.

Drink some chamomile tea

It is always good to calm your muscles down.

Feeling angry

If you're feeling angry or upset, just count to ten and take deep breaths. Then make yourself some cooling herbal tea or chilled water and take yourself to another place to sit still and allow your imagination to take over.

Brink of crying

If you feel yourself on the brink of crying with anger or slapping someone, imagine yourself on a beach in the sun or swimming in a calm lake on a warm sunny day, or some other favourite thought. The gentle thoughts should bring back dignity.

Never impose on other people

Though you may feel uplifted and enlightened by your new realizations, most people remain stuck in the cycle of the mainstream working/family/business life. They have not yet or will never have the chance to see above it and many will work actively to convince themselves that being calm is not for them.

Effortless effort

Leaving the mind to settle on its own is the best way - effortless effort.

Keep perspective

There are always worse situations so count your blessings.

Play with kids or pets

Kids and pets are the best at knowing how to loosen up and have fun. If you're having trouble relaxing, find some kids or animals to hang out with. They'll appreciate a playmate and you'll get to join in on their joyful experience of life!

Play a game

Video games, board games, and card games are great for letting us give our brains a break. Do whichever of these you have access to in order to calm yourself down. It works even better if you play with friends and family, becausr then you get to make each other laugh! 

If you're by yourself, video games and games like solitaire are probably best.

If you're looking to play games with other people, a round of Apples to Apples always brings a smile to everyone's face!

Exercise

Exercise lets us work out energy and tension, allowing us to calm down significantly. It also makes us healthier and feel better generally. You don't have to go lift a bunch of weights or anything either! Just do some squats or take a quick jog around the block!

Classical music

Classical music is good for calming down. Debussy wrote many calming pieces that are great for relaxing. You can also listen to modern music that's calming. Enya is a popular option. If you want to skip music in favour of calming sounds, try http://mynoise.net/, which generates a seamless stream of natural sounds or music.

Listen to music

Music has a very relaxing effect on how we think. If you’re having a hard time calming down, try some calming music. Avoid music with harsh sounds or fast tempos, even if it’s music you really like, because this music can actually add to your stress! Just listen to calm music when you’re trying to calm down.

Meditate

Meditation is a great way to relax. This is where you find yourself a peaceful spot to sit down and turn your thoughts inward, to the quietest corner of your mind. Try to focus on the natural sounds around you and let all your worries flow out of your mind.

You don’t need to say “ommm,” you don’t need to light incense...all you have to do is think in a way that slows you down and calms you down!