Stress Reactions and Self-Talk

While some situations are more demanding than others, how stressful they feel is determined by your reaction to them. Getting caught in a traffic jam when late for work, for instance, will make some people fly off the handle, while others are able to accept the circumstances and stay calm. Once you’re caught in a stress reaction, it can be hard to talk yourself down. Identifying the types of situations that trigger you, and knowing your initial warning signs, can help you avoid a meltdown.
Think about the self-talk you engage in when you’re stressed out, and try to re-evaluate your thinking. For instance, is your boss really going to kill you, or are you going to lose your job for being a few minutes late? Is there anything you can do in the future to prevent this kind of situation, like leaving your house earlier? Will ranting and getting worked up change your circumstances?
Take a few deep breaths, tell yourself you can handle what’s happening, and remember that tomorrow this moment will be insignificant to you. Seeing your current difficulties in the context of the bigger picture can help defuse the stress of the situation.