Mindfulness Tools When You're Feeling Stressed
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed? When our emotions are in high gear, it is harder for our rational mind to think clearly and make good decisions. Here are two simple and powerful mindfulness techniques that help reduce some pressure so the mind can focus.
1) When you're stressed, remember to S.T.O.P.
I find the STOP technique helpful when I need a quick response to a stressful situation. This allows a moment to breathe and observe before I react. By just allowing a pause, the brain becomes better able to focus and formulate logical responses, rather than emotional reactions.
2) If your emotions are overwhelming, just let it R.A.I.N.
In my experience, the RAIN technique is great for interacting with challenging people and situations. If someone is being confrontational or manipulative, it is easier to flow through our interactions after I have accepted their perspective and engaged in compassionate investigation.