Article by Julie McGlynn, M.s.

We all know what it feels like to be in a heightened, activated state. Our nervous system sends us into survival mode and we lose the ability to think clearly. Here are three methods to regulate ourselves when under stress.

1 Process

Processing is using your mind to calm your body. It’s getting it out. Processing with others can look like going to therapy or talking to a friend. Processing individually can look like journaling.

2 Soothe

Soothing is using our body and bodily senses to calm our mind. Soothing yourself could look like going for a walk in the sunshine, lighting a candle, hitting the gym, getting a massage, talking a bath, dancing or singing in the car, etc.

3 Distance

Distancing is giving yourself time away from processing an issue. Distancing could look like playing a video game, seeing a friend, watching a movie or reading a book. Sometimes we over think and over process and that can cause us to spiral. Distancing is setting down a problem temporarily to get a break and see things from a different perspective. The important thing to remember about distancing is to pick back up whatever you temporarily set down once we have a clear head.

These three ways to self-regulate can help keep us grounded when we are stressed or feeling like we don’t know what to do to feel better.

**By Julie McGlynn, M.S.**

Julie is a therapist at our Center City office and offers services in person and online through our HIPAA compliant platform. Julie is passionate about working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families who are seeking to overcome challenges with relationships, life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, and grief. To read more click here.

A BETTER LIFE THERAPY

A Better Life Therapy was founded in 2013 with a passion for providing warm, compassionate services to individuals and families in Pennsylvania. Our team specializes in relationship health as well as individual mental health. Our team has expertise in areas like anxiety, grief, depression, pregnancy related issues, sexual issues, substance use and trauma.