9 Mental Habits That Help People Stay Calm in Emergencies

Resilience and mental fortitude, not natural fearlessness, are the keys to keeping cool under pressure.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:30pm

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When faced with emergencies or high-stress situations, some people are able to remain calm and composed, making better decisions. This isn't because they are naturally fearless, but rather due to specific mental habits they've developed, such as tactical breathing, challenging negative thoughts, practicing gratitude, and building resilience. The article outlines 9 key mental habits that allow people to stay calm in the face of crisis.

Why it matters

Maintaining calm and composure during emergencies or high-stress events is crucial for making sound decisions, managing emotions, and avoiding the detrimental health effects of chronic stress and anxiety. Understanding the mental strategies used by those who stay calm can help others develop these skills and become more resilient in the face of life's challenges.

The details

The article explains that when people experience fear or anxiety, their amygdala triggers the 'fight or flight' response, flooding the body with adrenaline and cortisol. This can lead to tunnel vision, impaired decision-making, and a sense of certainty that may not be warranted. However, people who stay calm in emergencies have learned to interrupt this cycle through techniques like tactical breathing, challenging negative thoughts, visualization, exercise, meditation, and practicing gratitude. These mental habits help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress response.

  • The article was published on March 21, 2026.

The players

Lauren Reiter

A licensed clinical social worker certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, practicing in Granbury, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Resilience can be taking something difficult and translating it into a strength. The way you perceive outward circumstances determines, in a large part, how your body responds.”

— Lauren Reiter, Licensed clinical social worker

The takeaway

By developing specific mental habits like tactical breathing, challenging negative thoughts, and practicing gratitude, people can build the resilience needed to stay calm and composed in the face of emergencies and high-stress situations. This allows for clearer decision-making and avoids the detrimental health effects of chronic stress and anxiety.