Keep Calm and Carry On
The phrase “Keep Calm and Carry On” became very popular in the past few years. It has served as a slogan for every harried professional or parent. The origin of this phrase is quite interesting. It was developed, along with two other phrases, by the British Ministry of Information at the start of World War II. “Keep Calm and Carry On” was to be posted in conspicuous places around Great Britain in the event that Great Britain was invaded by Germany. Although an invasion never occurred Great Britain was subjected to a severe barrage of bombings. The poster and phrase were never used for its intended purpose.
Today we are living our lives on edge. We rush to work, to pick up children, or to transport them to practice. We drive “thru” to pick up breakfast, lunch and dinner and eat it on the way to wherever we happen to be going. We jump to conclusions, jump in line and jump when the supervisor calls. We are on constant alert waiting for the first person to push the wrong button, get on the last nerve or act funky.
Sometimes we wind ourselves up like a top only to spin out of control, a human tornado, pulverizing everyone or everything in our sight. At least that is how it seems. In reality, we show our frailty and inability for self restraint.
The British knew they were in a crisis and naturally worried. The Germans threatened to bomb their country as an act of war. Many of us are dealing with our own personal and professional crises. We are worried about our livelihoods and our future. We may feel insecure and uncertain. The threats or perceived threats to our well-being are overwhelming. However, we are repeatedly told to remain calm in the midst of a crisis.
When we are in crisis mode, the stress response is initiated. Another name for the stress response is the “fight or flight” response. When faced with a stressful event or situation, the “fight of flight” response is triggered immediately. The body literally goes into survival mode by sending resources to the parts of the body that enable it to fight or flee.
The response is triggered without thought and is quite primitive in nature. The stress hormone cortisol is released which shifts control to the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls emotions and the stress response. When we are stressed, the area of the brain that allows rational, logical thinking is hindered. This part of the brain is called the pre-frontal cortex; it controls our executive functions and enables critical thinking.
We do not think clearly, logically or rationally in a crisis unless we stay calm. Staying calm in a crisis could mean the difference between life and death. It could also mean the difference between a beneficial or detrimental decision.
Repeated exposure to stressful situations or perceived threats cause us to experience chronic stress. Chronic stress may lead us to become hyper-vigilant. Hyper-vigilance is being overly watchful, anticipating the worse, keeping us prepared to fight or flee. Chronic stress and hyper-vigilance cause the body to be constantly flooded with cortisol. This causes the stress response or “fight or flight” response to work overtime.
Continual release of cortisol can have detrimental effects on the body. Some of those effects are:
- Blood sugar imbalances – this is particularly dangerous for those with diabetes or at risk of diabetes.
- Weight gain – high cortisol levels affect blood sugar levels and affect how fat is stored in the body.
- Immune System – increased susceptibility to colds, inflammatory disease and other bacterial or viral infections.
- Gastrointestinal – ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome or other stomach and intestinal conditions.
There are ways to stay calm in the midst of a crisis:
- Practice calming techniques – breathing for relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, or prayer to name a few.
- Change your perspective – re-frame your thoughts. When faced with a challenge, tell yourself “I’m capable” which will re-frame the perception you have of your ability to handle the challenge from negative to positive.
- Be grateful – gratitude allows you to relax providing an opportunity to think clearly.
- Avoid negative people – in a crisis, you need people who affirm, support, and encourage.
You are invited to join the “Get Through the Day Without Losing It” 7 Day Challenge. Go beyond counting to 10 when you are pushed to the limit. Learn healthy ways to calm your mind and relax your body in 30 minutes or less. Click here to sign up and receive your first session.
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Marcyline Bailey
workers to relax, empower, advocate and learn.” She also founded HappyHalfHour.Club for “hardworking professionals who want to be happy.
Latest posts by Marcyline Bailey (see all)
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- Keep Calm and Carry On - September 23, 2016
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