Tears on Pause: Clever Mind Tricks to Stay Cool Under Pressure

‘LPT – When you’re about to cry, think of words that rhyme or count backwards from 100 in sevens. Engaging the logic part of your brain shifts bloodflow away from your emotional centers and helps you maintain your composure’

This life tip works because it leverages how your brain processes emotions and logic. First, tasks like rhyming or counting backward in sevens (100, 93, 86, etc.) activate the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s logical center, which redirects blood flow away from the amygdala, the emotional hub, reducing the urge to cry. Second, these activities require focus, distracting you from overwhelming feelings and giving you a moment to regain control.

Third, they’re discreet—you can do them anywhere without drawing attention. As Julie Holland notes in Moody Bitches, engaging your logical brain this way is a practical tool for emotional regulation. By practicing these mental exercises, you’re not just avoiding tears—you’re mastering your emotional response in high-pressure situations.

This trick offers more benefits. It builds mental agility, sharpening your focus under stress. It’s also a quick, private way to reset emotionally, boosting confidence in challenging settings. Plus, it’s a skill you can refine over time, making emotional control easier.

Have you ever used a mental trick like rhyming or counting to stay composed? What worked for you, and how did it feel? What would you do if you found yourself about to cry in a tough situation?

The Redditor’s trick is like a mental escape hatch for emotional overwhelm. When tears loom, tasks like rhyming or counting backward demand focus, pulling you away from the emotional brink. It’s not just a distraction—it’s a way to rewire your brain’s response. The struggle here is universal: staying composed in situations where crying feels inappropriate, like at work or in public, can be a real challenge.

This aligns with a broader issue: emotional regulation is a critical skill in high-pressure settings. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association found that 68% of people struggle to manage emotions in stressful environments (APA). Engaging cognitive tasks can help bridge that gap.

Psychologist Dr. Julie Holland explains, “Activating the prefrontal cortex with logical tasks can dampen emotional responses, giving you space to regain control” (Psychology Today). Her insight underscores the Redditor’s tip: by focusing on mental challenges, you redirect your brain’s energy, calming the amygdala’s emotional surge. This approach is discreet and effective, whether you’re in a boardroom or a tense family moment.

To try it, practice counting backward (100, 93, 86…) or listing rhymes (cat, hat, mat…) during low-stakes moments to build the habit. If it feels tough, start with simpler tasks like naming colors. This skill boosts confidence and mental agility. How do you stay composed under pressure? Share your go-to tricks in the comments!

Check out how the community responded:

The Reddit crowd brought their A-game with reactions that range from hilarious to skeptical, serving up a buffet of wit and wisdom.

These hot takes make you wonder: is this trick a game-changer, or just a quirky distraction? What’s your take on keeping emotions in check?

This Redditor’s gem is a masterclass in emotional ninja moves. By engaging your brain’s logical side, you can sidestep tears and stay composed when it matters most. It’s not about suppressing emotions but choosing when to let them flow. Have you ever used a mental trick to hold back tears? What worked, and what didn’t? Drop your story below—what would you do if you felt tears coming on in a tough spot?