Recently, we sold our house. But on the day, it was meant to settle, the buyer didn’t have their finances in place.
We ended up sleeping in a nearly empty house for three nights – no proper furniture, no certainty, just a whole lot of worrying thoughts.
It was one of those moments where everything felt out of control. We could see it happening on the day yet we couldn’t intervene.
But here’s what helped, and it’s backed by neuroscience and drawn, from my latest book Anxiety is a Worry:
1. Breathe to reset - When anxiety peaks, our brain goes into survival (panic) mode. Deep, slow breathing in & out activates the calming part of our nervous system. Try this now inhale for 6 seconds and exhale for 6 seconds. It’s simple and it works.
2. Name the feeling - Saying to yourself “I feel anxious” or “I’m feeling overwhelmed” might seem small, but it’s powerful. Neuroscience shows that naming emotions reduces activity in the brain’s fear centre and helps control.
3. Shift your focus - In the middle of that chaos, we paused and listed what we were grateful for and how things could have been worse. A roof over our heads, spending time together without distractions - it was temporary and so much more. Gratitude rewires your brain to see possibility instead of panic.
4. Move your body - A short walk helped as did going to get food. Movement releases endorphins and lowers stress hormones. It gave us space to think more clearly and feel more grounded.
5. Talk it out - We leaned on each other and talked it through, letting the anger out as we did so. Connection is a powerful antidote to fear; it reminds your brain that we’re not alone – and that is everything when we panic inside.
Tough times will come. But they don’t last!
What does last are the tools we build to get through them. Our brain is wired not just to survive; but to adapt, to grow, and to thrive.
You’ve got this. Truly you have.
Let’s talk!
🧠How to Manage Tough Times – Backed by Neuroscience & Real Life