Stressed? Try one of these quick resets

Overwhelming stress manifests physically, cognitively, and behaviorally, requiring targeted interventions to regain composure. Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz, author of *Stress Resets*, outlines practical strategies to soothe the nervous system in minutes. Cognitive resets, such as naming emotions or singing irrational thoughts to a familiar tune, disrupt the limbic system’s dominance and engage the prefrontal cortex. Physical techniques like cyclic sighing and expanding one’s visual gaze help break the fight-or-flight response, while behavioral adjustments—including creating a "hope kit" of uplifting mementos or performing small good deeds—restore a sense of personal agency. By focusing on manageable, incremental steps rather than catastrophic outcomes, individuals can effectively recalibrate their stress response. These tools serve as immediate interventions, while consistent habits like adequate sleep and social connection provide long-term resilience against chronic overextension.