In stressful times, it is important to stay calm to help yourself and others deal with and overcome challenging circumstances. When we experience high levels of stress, some people externalize their emotions, becoming angry, aggressive, and displaying other outward signs of emotional turmoil. Others, however, internalize their emotions, bottling up their feelings which can then give way to behaviors such as depression and self-harm. Both of these coping mechanisms are harmful in their own way, and today Dr. Malhotra gives listeners ten tips for calming down and relieving stress in healthy ways. Meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling are just a few ways that you can give expression to your emotions constructively. Join Dr. Malhotra for this episode as she gives more advice for calming down in a chaotic world.  

Key Points From This Episode:

• Learn what happens when you internalize your emotions. 
• Just because internalizing behaviors are not visible does not mean they are less damaging. 
• An example of how toddlers reveal their inability to self-regulate. 
• The relationship between our age and our ability to control our emotions. 
• The difference between externalizing and internalizing behaviors and examples of each. 
• A list of disorders associated with people who frequently display externalizing behaviors. 
• Common ways in which internalizing behaviors manifest. 
• Suggestions for relieving stress, including getting fresh air and doing breathing exercises. 
• Leveraging meditation, prayer, and relaxation techniques to alleviate the effects of stress.
• Dr. Minni shares how exercise and rhythmic exercises help her to get perspective. 
• How you can use your hobbies and favorite activities to blow off steam. 
• The importance of expressing how you feel and sharing your emotions with a friend. 
• What being in the moment with your senses can do to your state of mind. 

Tweetables:

“In general, boys are more likely to exhibit externalizing behavior, while girls are more prone to developing internalizing behavior.” —  Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:03:33]

“Meditation is really about quieting the mind, not reacting, just noticing. Even a minute can make a difference.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:05:14]

“Be in the moment with one of your senses; sight, smell, sound, taste. You'll be amazed how quickly the stress melts away when you focus on just one of them.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:06:52] 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Anchor Wellness Center