Suffering anxiety and stress, I have learned if I have a plan of action, I can sometimes avoid the immediate reaction by having a plan in place.
It’s like planning ahead to get out of the house if there were a fire, making the reaction to seek safety an instinct. If I plan ahead for ‘a way out’ or ‘a response plan’ to a possible stress trigger, I have found I respond instead of react.
Reacting in the moment caused stress and anxiety levels to increase. I cannot think clearly. I often escalate the situation.
If I can remain calm, taking control of the reaction, I can:
- think clearly
- see more sides than tunnel vision allows
- consider the responses and affect on others
- make better decisions
Realizing the need to plan for stress and anxiety I try looking ahead.
- STOP! Catch myself.
- Take a deep breath, don’t say anything.
- If possible, step away for a few moments.
- Pray for peace and clarity.
How do you keep ‘peace for the moment’ when stress and anxiety are triggered? What is your plan of action in preparation?