Let Yourself S.T.O.P.

Next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your internal and/or external environment, try the following coping skill, that has an acronym, S.T.O.P.:

S. Stop.  Stop what you’re doing; put your device down; look up from your screen; pause if you’re moving (as long as it’s safe to do so).

T. Take a breath.  I mean, really, fully.  Fill your abdomen and lungs; breathe in deeply; exhale slowly and steadily.

O. Observe your surroundings.  Take a quick inventory of your environment: use your five senses to connect.  Now check-in with your internal environment.  Do you need to stretch, eat some food, drink some water?  How is your emotional state?  How busy is your mind?

P. Proceed.  Continue with whatever needs your attention next.
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This is a quick way to take a break, check-in with yourself and carry on with your day.  ​