As we have mentioned, your first option when dealing with stress is to alter the situation or your approach to it.
You can alter your approach by:
- Thinking positively and having a positive attitude
- Improving specific skills that will help you manage the situation
- Doing something differently
Some examples:
- You always find going to the dentist stressful. You decide to think positively about it: “Well, if I get this over with, it will be done for a whole year.” You also decide to bring along some relaxing music to help you cope with the appointment.
- You find interacting with a particular co-worker stressful because they tend to be very aggressive. You decide to take some communication and assertiveness training.
- Traffic has become heavy on your morning commute. You decide to take a different route.