How you perceive the stress you encounter can make a massive difference in how you react. Knowing stress will evoke strong emotions, and having the power to choose how you want to react to that emotion, puts you back in the driver’s seat. Try these three techniques to change how you approach things that stress you out, and see if it helps make them more manageable:

Practice re-framing your situation – try viewing a stressful situation as a challenge or growth opportunity. What is this difficulty in your life to teach you?

Remember that acute stress is a natural, healthy response that can save your life. Consider how stress helps you be a better person. For example, if you can stay calm in a stressful situation in front of your kids, it helps to teach them emotional regulation and that they can rely on you to manage your emotions even when you’re triggered.

Use the SEE Method:
Separate yourself from the emotion – you may be feeling a certain way but it does not define you.
Embrace the emotion – it’s trying to tell you something and help you get a need met.
Evaluate what to do next.

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