Psychological Recovery after an Emergency: How to Deal with Stress?

What is the 1956 wheat penny value? Have you ever thought that value can be measured not only in money, but also in how a thing can affect us? Some items that can seem to you insignificant can be the key to inner peace.

After a serious incident (emergency), stress becomes a natural reaction of the body. It doesn't disappear instantly, and sometimes it becomes fixed in the body and thoughts, turning into chronic anxiety. The usual methods of relaxation - sports, meditation, music - do not always work for everyone, especially when the mind is fixated on the experience. Then it is worth turning to unexpected recovery methods that will help to shift attention, regain control over emotions and reboot the psyche. So, now we offer you to discuss unusual recovery techniques that will help you cope with stress.

The Body as a Key to the Mind: Unexpected Ways to Relieve Tension

1. Reflex Points and Vibration

The human body has natural mechanisms for relieving stress, and some of which were used for centuries in ancient healing traditions. For example, acupressure and reflexology (the practice of stimulating specific points on the hands, feet and face) can induce relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Incidentally, one surprisingly effective method is sternum tapping - a technique known as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Gently tapping the center of the sternum with your fingertips for two minutes has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and induce a sense of calm. This works because the sternum is located near the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in stress regulation.

2. Deep Work with the Jaw

By the way, have you ever noticed that your jaw clenches when you are stressed, even if you don't realize it? Tension builds up in the jaw muscles, which often bear the brunt of unspoken emotions. This is why many people grind their teeth at night after a stressful day.

A simple but effective relaxation technique is to gently massage your jaw and temples for a minute. Another technique is to make yourself intentionally yawn, which stretches the jaw muscles and gives the brain a signal to relax. This is why yawning is contagious - it's the body's way of encouraging others to share stress relief.

3. Contrast Stress to Relieve Stress

It may seem counterintuitive to you, but sometimes controlled stress in the body can help relieve deep-seated tension. That's why professional athletes use ice baths and saunas not only for muscle recovery, but also to increase mental toughness.

Cold showers or alternating between hot and cold water can move the body from a state of stress to a state of relaxation and force the nervous system to reboot. Even some studies confirm that cold effects trigger the release of endorphins, further boosting mood and reducing your stress levels.

For anyone who finds cold therapy impossible, there is an easier option - hold an ice cube in your hand for 30 seconds. This small shock to the system can distract from recurring anxious thoughts and help the mind gain clarity.

Shifting Attention Through Unexpected Activities

After stress, the body can start to recover, but the brain gets stuck in anxious thoughts. Meditation or music doesn't always help, so it's worth trying unconventional ways of switching.

One of them is long rides on public transportation. Rhythmic movement, motor noise and changing landscapes create a calming effect. At the same time, being around people without the need to communicate with them may help you break the isolation.

Tip: If you feel anxious, just get on a bus or train and ride without purpose. Observe your surroundings - it helps distract you.

Smells are another powerful tool - they are directly linked to memory and emotion, triggering feelings before the brain realizes them. It is not just lavender or citrus that helps you relax - the smell of freshly cut grass, old books or newspapers can also evoke feelings of comfort.

Interesting fact: Smells evoke memories more strongly than images, so a familiar scent is more soothing than an old photograph.

Another way is to do something “useless.” Sorting papers, folding clothes, or drawing without a purpose gives your brain a chance to process emotions without actively thinking.

Tip: Try spending an hour on an activity with no practical use: put books apart, cut pictures from a magazine, or unravel jewelry. The main thing is not to think about the result, but just to give yourself a break.

Another surprising option is to take control of your finances, that gives you a sense of stability, too. A little practice is to analyze your spending at the end of the day. It's not about a strict budget, it's about mindfulness.

Interesting fact: People who consciously track spending feel less anxiety, even if they don't limit their spending.

Of course, professional help is important when you are under a lot of stress: cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR or bodywork techniques can help you get out of an anxious state faster. Even a simple conversation with a friend or relative reduces stress levels - emotional support makes difficult situations 40% easier.

Unconventional Hobbies as a Recovery Therapy

Engaging in a hobby might seem trivial in the face of serious stress, but the act of focused attention on a simple, enjoyable task can be incredibly therapeutic. Studies show that hobbies requiring detailed observation, repetitive motions, or pattern recognition help lower cortisol levels and bring a sense of calm. 

Collecting Everyday Objects

People collect more than just coins or stamps - some find comfort in gathering ticket stubs, old receipts, colorful leaves, or even oddly shaped pebbles. Due to the process of searching, sorting, and arranging objects people may force the brain to focus on something outside of stress and create a break from anxious thoughts.

• Why it works: The sense of accomplishment and control (even over something as small as organizing buttons or postcards) helps counteract the feeling of helplessness that often follows a crisis.

Numismatics

Coin collecting is more than just a hobby - it is a form of mindful observation. Examining old coins, studying engravings, and noticing tiny imperfections engages the brain in a calm, focused state, similar to meditation.

• Try this: Even if you’re not a collector, take an old coin and look at it under a bright light or magnifying glass. Pay attention to every scratch, engraving, and design feature. And if you ever come across a rare or unusual coin, consider checking its background with the Coin ID Scanner app. The app helps you to see how historical objects can be a fun and educational distraction. 

Analyzing Financial Flows

Money might not seem like a stress reliever, but tracking small daily expenses can bring a surprising sense of control. After an emergency, everything can feel unstable, but seeing exactly where your money is going helps create a grounding effect.

• Try this "monetary meditation": At the end of each day, spend five minutes reviewing your spending, even if it is just a coffee purchase. This practice is not about budgeting - it is about restoring a sense of control over your environment.

Reboot through Simple Actions

Recovering from stress is not always about taking grandiose steps, sometimes simple but unexpected methods are enough. Walking on public transportation, familiar smells, or simply doing something useless can bring back calm and focus, taking your mind off intrusive thoughts. Even things like collecting coins or analyzing your finances can give you a sense of control and stability. And sometimes simplicity and attention to detail is the secret to inner balance.