How Does 3 Instantly Calming CBT Techniques For Anxiety Work?

It’s like having three superpowers that help you stop feeling worried and start feeling calm again, fast.

Breathing deeply is like taking a big sip of cool water when you're hot and tired. When you’re feeling anxious, your body might feel all wiggly or tight, like when you're about to fall off the swing. If you take slow, deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth, it’s like giving your body a gentle hug that says, “It’s okay.”

Thinking about happy things is like choosing your favorite toy from a big pile of toys. When you're feeling worried, it's like being stuck with a tricky puzzle. But if you think about something fun or silly, like your best friend laughing or your favorite cartoon, it helps your brain change the puzzle to something easier and brighter.

Doing a quick action is like pressing a button on a remote control that turns off the loud noise in your head. Maybe you tap your foot, shake your arms, or even do a silly dance. It's a way to remind yourself that you're in control, just like when you push a button and the TV turns on.

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Examples

  1. A person uses deep breathing to calm down before a presentation.
  2. Someone stops negative thoughts by writing them down and challenging them.
  3. An anxious student imagines a peaceful place to relax during a test.

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