In states of acute stress (or autonomic arousal), one of the fastest ways to decrease anxiety is to dial out your gaze to panoramic vision. Our visual system is more parasympathetic dominant and regulated by big neurons that transmit information extremely fast (faster than trying to take long deep breaths), so broadening your vision is a rapid way to decrease your autonomic arousal.

If you’re at your computer and feeling overwhelmed and anxious, merely dial out your gaze. Or if you can, go outside and look at the sky and the horizon line. You’ll immediately decrease your fight-or-flight response and feel more calm. Also, taking a few minutes to look at the sky a few hours after sunrise or prior to sunset activates biological circuits that send signals to the body responsible for immunity and circadian rhythms. This is why I highly encourage morning and evening walks- they are so beneficial for overall health and well-being.