How to calm down quickly Breathe. One of the best things you can do when you start to feel that familiar panicky feeling is to breathe. ... Name what you're feeling. ... Try the 5-4-3-2-1 coping technique. ... Try the “File It” mind exercise. ... Run. ... Think about something funny. ... Distract yourself. ... Take a cold shower (or an ice plunge) Jun 22, 2021