Definition
We feel calm when we know we're safe, our bodies relax, and our minds feel quiet. Nothing urgent is required.
>> Why We Have This Emotion
Calmness enables us to rest, process, bond, and reflect on our lives. It promotes learning, creativity, and long-term recovery, and it can also help us deal with subsequent ups and downs more easily.
◈ How It Shows Up
“It’s okay. No rush.”Slow breathing, loose musclesSteady gaze, soft facial expressionSpeaking in an even, low voiceWarm and cooperative with others
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Lock in the calm with deep breathing
- Connect with someone important
- Get ahead on your task list
- Plan for your next known challenge
- Create a calm anchor: a song, scent, image, etc. to reuse later
Bad Ideas
- Ignore routines that keep you steady
- Force yourself to be productive
- Take on extra commitments
- Spend impulsively to treat yourself
- Let the calm slide into boredom