How can we achieve well being and stay balanced during times of stress? Is there a way of remaining calm and not falling victim to the world around us? Can we escape depression, fear and other negative feelings that so easily befall so many today? As our world around us becomes increasingly unstable how can we remain calm? Can we allow ourselves to not become a victim of the circumstances we find ourselves in and remain calm through these times? Is there some type of steps we can take to help us practice staying calm?

There may become a time when things get so out of control that the best thing you can do for yourself and others is to remain calm. Fear and depression may take hold of many around you, but do not let it take hold of you. Merely knowing that those emotions will hinder you, and could cause you to make bad decisions should get you a reason to focus and remain calm. Learning to remain calm during times that are not extremely bad will also help you when and if times ever do.

So if you happen to find that you are in a situation where it is bringing on stress, if at all possible, get away from what may be causing it, even if only for a few minutes. If you know that you may be having stressful times ahead of you, make a plan. Plan on meditating for help and plan on what to meditate about. You will need to have this decided upon ahead of time to be able to have it come quickly to mind at times of need. When practicing this daily you will find that you are able to remain calm or calm down more quickly during stressful times.

The next step is to move your attention off of what is causing you stress. Instead, try to replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. The more we allow negatives thoughts to enter our minds the more we will find them ruling our lives. We need to learn thought stopping. As soon as you realize that you are thinking a negative thought, stop it. Replace that thought with one more pleasant, and in harmony with what is truly good for you. It may take time but if you continue to practice thought stopping you will find it easier each time to do and the longer the negative thoughts will stay away. After awhile, you will find that you are a more positive person and are staying calm during times that would have normally caused you stress.

It would be a good idea to have a daily routine where you retreat to a place that helps you to relax. Prayer is relaxing and can be something you can do while you are alone. You can also bring forth positive thoughts that are productive for your life. Push out any negative thoughts or thoughts of wrong doing. You can allow the thoughts to come and go but try to keep things positive by practicing the thought stopping technique if they are negative. Alternatively, allow yourself to concentrate on slowing your breathing down. Getting away by ourselves is a simple way to gain perspective and see clearly about the situation at hand. It can become for us like a fortress during the storms that come our way. Going to this fortress we can gain strength and comfort when needed.

There are questions we need to ask ourselves, that when answered honestly, can help us bring into focus how we may change things for the better. Instead of blaming someone else for their part in the situation we need to ask ourselves some of these questions: "Who am I to blame in this situation? Where was I in the wrong in my actions and words? Could I have acted differently? If I had acted with kind words instead would it had turned out different? If I had remained calm would I be here asking myself these questions now? Do I want things to be different? What can I do to make them different?" If we are honest with ourselves when asking these questions we will find a solution to most all of our stresses. Remember that we cannot change another, but we can and are able to change ourselves.

Then there is gratitude. Are we thankful for what is good in our lives? Being thankful and expressing gratitude is important and should not ever be neglected. Not expressing gratitude to others and allowing ourselves to be self absorbed in our own self centered thoughts and needs brings on depression and stress. Focus instead not on self but on what good others have done for you. You may find that people have done more for you than you ever realized. Be thankful for it not only in your words but in your deeds.

Doing for others is a wonderful way of getting your mind off your problems and the things that are stressing you. Once we start focusing on what others need, or what we can give for them, then our problems start to become solvable. The universe shows that giving and doing for others are the answers to our own problems. Giving to others or doing for others does not mean we just ignore our own problems, but that the problems become less of our main focus. What may have seemed overwhelming when our minds stayed focused on it, can now become trivial. Serious problems we may have can become much clearer as to how we need to handle them.

So to recap, what should we do to stay calm during times that are stressful?

1) Get away, even if it is only for a few minutes;
2) Have a quick plan for meditation;
3) Redirect your attention and think about something pleasant, practice thought stopping;
4) Have a place to go to daily to relax;
5) Ask ourselves questions and be completely honest with the answers;
6) Express gratitude and be thankful; and finally,
7) Give to others and do for others.

To find more great information visit Jeff's Website - http://andywarholposter.info/