How to Calm Emotions

We have already said that being more emotional after a disaster is normal. It is not something to be ashamed of. Being emotional is a sign that your body is attempting to process and cope with the event. Tears and emotions are part of how God has designed us to heal! However, emotions can be so strong and negative that they produce damaging results. How can such emotions be calmed? 

When strong feelings rise up, we need to help the mind move away from the strong emotions that result. 
Here are a few simple suggestions.
    Call a friend to see how they are doing. 
    Take a walk. Give the walk a purpose. 

• Count the doors or windows on a building.  
• Look for any objects with your favourite colour. 
• Count the number of birds or flowers that you see. 
• Look for a symbol of hope.  If it is small, like a spring flower, bring it home with you. 
• Look for a person that you can do something simple for.  Help them carry a package. Give them a smile and a greeting.  Help them up the stairs. Help them across the street.  Ask them how they are doing. Take time to listen to them.

Suggestions like this may seem too simple.  You may feel that this is a waste of time. It is not! It will allow your body and mind to rest so that healing can take place. Suggestions like this have been proven to be helpful and are recommended by professionals in the Trauma Healing Institute. So don’t dismiss them without trying them. 

KEY IDEA: get your mind off the memories and strong emotions. 
​