Three Steps for Stress

Recognize. Regroup. Redirect.

Three Steps for Stress
Photo by nikko macaspac / Unsplash
  1. Recognize. The first step is acknowledging you're stressed. Evaluate how you're feeling physically. Is your jaw clenched? Shoulders raised? Back sore? Next, evaluate how you're feeling mentally. Define your stress. Is it anxiety? Fear? Frustration? Why are you feeling this way? Why are you feeling that feeling?
  2. Regroup. Take a moment for yourself. Take a few deep breaths in and out to relax that jaw and drop those shoulders. Clear your mind for a moment. Focus on something unrelated. Got a desktop wallpaper that reminds you of a happy experience? Take that in.
  3. Redirect. The feelings you're feeling are valid. They're normal. And now you can bend them to your will. Channel those feelings into positive self-talk. Focus on the opportunity to learn from what you've been presented with.

Recognize. Regroup. Redirect.

Write it on a Post-It Note, and slap it somewhere you can easily see.