Psychiatrist And Mental Health Coach Shares Seven Simple Ways To Stay Calm And Protect Your Quality Of Life
✍️ By Teju/ February 10, 2026/ 8:37am
A mental health coach and psychiatrist has shared practical advice on how people can improve their quality of life by learning to stay calm during stressful situations.
In a video that has resonated with many viewers online, she explained that chronic stress negatively affects both mental and physical health, and that regulating the nervous system is one of the most effective ways to maintain long-term wellbeing.
According to her, one of the simplest tools for calming the body is deep breathing. She recommended the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which involves inhaling through the nose for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds, and exhaling through the mouth for eight seconds. Repeating this process, she noted, helps slow the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
She also emphasised the power of physical connection, encouraging people to hug their loved ones, pets, or even themselves. She explained that hugging releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone”, which promotes feelings of calm and reassurance.
Other strategies she highlighted include listening to calming music for at least 30 minutes, taking walks in nature, and engaging in regular physical activity. Exposure to sunlight and movement, she said, play a major role in brain health and emotional regulation.
Sleep was another key point. She advised going to bed at a consistent time and getting at least seven hours of sleep each night, noting that rest helps repair the body, restore energy, and support mental clarity.
The psychiatrist also warned about the mental toll of excessive phone use and social media scrolling, encouraging people to take intentional breaks to reduce anxiety and unhealthy comparison.
Finally, she reminded viewers that crying is not a weakness. Allowing emotions to surface, rather than repressing them, can clear the mind and improve problem-solving during overwhelming moments.
She concluded by urging people to practise these habits consistently and to be intentional about protecting their mental health.
