Coping with Anxiety - 5 senses coping skill

When we are feeling any emotion (anxiety, sadness, anger, etc.) very intensely we have to reduce the intensity of the emotion we are feeling before we can move forward and think clearly.

Why is that?

Well, the thinking part of our brain, within the cerebral cortex, shuts off completely when our emotions reach a certain level of intensity.

When that happens our emotional part of our brain (within the limbic system which includes the amygdala) takes over and we start reacting solely based on how we feel.

This makes it difficult to problem solve, resolve an argument, move forward in completing a task, or make any type of reasonable decision.

How do we turn the thinking part of our brain back on?

Relaxation skills, Coping skills, and Grounding exercises.

Watch the video below to learn about one way to help reduce your anxiety in the moment or calm your nerves before entering an anxiety provoking situation.