What are the easiest ways to stay calm in a crisis?

Breathe: Studies have shown taking a deep breath really does calm you down by triggering neurons in your brain which tell the body it is time to relax. Try breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, making sure the outbreath is longer than the inbreath.

Write it down: There are lots of proven benefits of keeping a regular journal, but writing things down works to improve your mood. Even as a one off, writing things down can be an enormously cathartic way to view your problems, fears, and concerns.

Distraction: It’s an oldie but a goodie – look for something to take your mind off it. Have a cup of tea, phone a friend, listen to a podcast (maybe plump for something uplifting and leave the true crime for another day).

Get outside: Find five minutes to get outside and walk. Nature has been shown to calm people down within just five minutes, and it will give you a chance to think through your priorities and what you can do next.

Get grinning: Smiling and laughing releases hormones that calm you down and allow you to be in control. Interestingly, research shows that the mere act of smiling tricks our brains into lifting our mood, lowering our stress and boosting our immune systems.

Coronavirus panic: how to stay calm when everyone is losing their minds around you