Take a Pause and Alleviate Stress

When situations become heated, give yourself time to cool down. Putting on the brakes in a stressful situation can stop the momentum of your stress from building and preserve your well-being.

It happens to all of us. You get into a conflict or a stressful disagreement, your nostrils flare, and all the fight or flight triggers go off in your brain. In your body, your adrenaline and cortisol levels surge, your heart rate increases, and your blood pressure may rise. Conflict can put your body and brain into emergency mode; not to mention, it could also make you feel regret later on.

So, instead of getting worked up and flustered, hit the pause button instead. Put your hand up in the gesture of a stop sign and turn away until you’ve cooled down. This could mean taking a quick walk or a break to restore your calm. Calming exercises like mindful breathing, which can be done anytime and anywhere, really work.

Being able to walk away from a conflict situation may take some time and practice. You may not get it right on the first try, so be gentle and take it easy on yourself. Taking a pause can strengthen relationships and mend others.

Make Monday about learning ways to destress, even under pressure and in a heated moment. If you need some encouragement, listen to The Supremes and Stop! In the Name of Love.