Being in a stressful situation is tough to process. The body might respond before the brain and that can cause unexpected results. These responses are commonly known as the fight, flight, or freeze modes. They are quick ways the brain thinks to act in a stressful situation.
How do people recognize a stressful situation? A stressful situation is when one is so stuck in a problem, and cannot decide what to do during the moment, so their body decides for them. This might include running away or shutting down. Another concern is how to take control of oneself during a stressful situation. There are many different ways to face these challenges.
Step 1: Take a deep breath. It is okay to pause in the moment. It’s also okay to take more than one deep breath if needed. Taking deep breaths stops the body and mind from tensing up, so it will not end up in the flight or fight mode. Taking deep breaths represents pressing pause on life to take a moment and relax in a simple way.
Step 2: State the matter. If there is an argument, people need to calmly explain their side of the story, then listen to what others have to say. If the stress is over homework or a sport, talk it over with a person that can be trusted. Once comfortable, share the situation to a trusted adult about how you feel.
Step 3: Use positive affirmations and actions. It is important to remind oneself about all the good things in life to block out the negative thoughts that may be trying to come into the mind. A common method is to write all the good features and skills about yourself on a sticky note as a reminder that oneself can be capable of so many things.
Another way to acknowledge the body is by taking care of oneself physically. It is important to not overwork. Some of the simplest things such as homework or even some of the more complicated things like sports can create burnout. Burnout is when there are so many things going on in life it creates stress and all the tasks and emotions seem impossible to handle.
Remember, nothing is perfect on the first try. It may not even come out correctly on the second or third try, but keeping a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally, helps the problem solve itself.
These three steps can help during stressful situations. It is also always okay to repeat step one to constantly provide relaxation and reassurance that everything will work out in the end. Stressful situations are never fun, but with a few deep breaths and positive actions, anyone can get in the right mindset in no time.