Successful conflict resolution depends on your ability to regulate stress and your emotions.
During an emotionally charged situation when your body has initiated the physiological “fight or flight” sequence of events, try to:
- Manage stress quickly while remaining calm and alert
- Take a deep breath
- Pause, count to 10
- Control your emotions and behavior
- If you’re not able to control your emotions, schedule time to have the conversation later
Ongoing practice can help you manage stress for the long haul. Some ideas for stress management include:
- Meditation; practicing mindfulness
- Managing your diet and maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels
- Regular exercise
- moving for 10 minutes releases GABA, a neurotransmitter that makes your brain feel soothed and keeps you in control of your impulses
- Get enough sleep; a regular sleep schedule will help you maintain your self-control
- Sleep deprivation is cumulative
- Forgive yourself