We’ve all been in a stressful situation when we lose our temper and say something we later wish we hadn’t said, and then we worry over the ramifications of our actions.
Fortunately, there is a solution to avoid this from happening in the future, and it’s called the S.T.O.P. method:1
- Stop what you are doing when you feel your emotions being triggered, and excuse yourself from the situation.
- Take a few deep breaths.
- Observe what is going on inside your mind and body—your thoughts, emotions and physical response.
- Proceed once you have processed your physical and mental reaction to the situation.
After you have completed the S.T.O.P. method, consider talking to a friend, getting a cup of tea, or taking a short walk before returning to the scene of the crime. You will be refreshed and thinking more rationally.
Please note that there is no guarantee a particular stress relief tool will work for you. Thus you must take complete responsibility for using them and for your own physical and emotional wellbeing. Further, Professor Pete Alexander is not a licensed health professional. Please consult qualified health practitioners regarding your use of any stress relief technique. Medical advice must only be obtained from a physician or qualified health practitioner.
- Goldstein, E. – Stressing Out? S.T.O.P.
