Your baby has been crying for what seems like forever, and you can’t help but feel the frustration build inside of you. Don't blame yourself; this is an experience shared by many parents.
A baby's crying affects very ancient areas of the brain that trigger strong emotions, including anger [1]. These feelings can be hard to control. However, there are a few life hacks that can help you quickly regain your composure.
Take a deep breath
Then exhale slowly, making the exhale longer than the inhale. This type of breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps liberate stress from the body.
Wash your face with cold water
Put the baby in a safe place and go to the bathroom. Don't worry, nothing is going to happen to your baby in the minute it takes for you to splash your face with cold water. This has been scientifically proven to reduce activity in areas of the brain that trigger a stress response [2]. Close your eyes for 30-40 seconds; this can also help calm you down.
Name the objects you see in front of you
Say the color and shape of the objects out loud or just quietly to yourself. This is a simple way to activate the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for emotional control and rational thinking. After this exercise, you'll find you can think clearly again and not give in to strong emotions.
