Psychology Guide
Returning to the present during stress
Stress may not disappear immediately, but redirecting attention can create room to choose the next action.
Reading time
About 5 minutes
Content type
General information
Important
Not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment
Slow down
Check immediate safety, feel your feet on the ground and notice a few objects around you.
Use your senses
Notice what you can see, hear and touch. Let breathing remain comfortable rather than forcing very deep breaths.
Act on values
Choose one small action that serves what matters: drink water, pause, contact someone trusted or divide a task into one step.
Source
See the WHO guide Doing What Matters in Times of Stress.