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.
- Goldstein, E. – Stressing Out? S.T.O.P.
