I recently read a study that indicated that middle-aged women are increasingly being prescribed antidepressants. This tells me that we are more stressed than we want to admit. It is also an indication that self-care should be a priority.
Self-care is crucial to your health and well-being. Sometimes the most effective way to avoid conflict is to simply step away. It is wise to walk away from any situation that isn’t serving you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re about to snap, it’s important to know when to remove yourself and take a break. Whether it’s taking a few deep breaths or leaving the room for a few minutes, stepping away from a situation can help you to avoid saying or doing something you might regret.
In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to get caught up in an argument and lose your temper. By taking a step away, you can give yourself time to cool off and assess the situation more clearly. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid conflict altogether; there are times when it’s necessary to stand your ground. But if you find yourself in a situation that’s making you angry or upset, it’s critical to know when to take a break. Sometimes, the best way to resolve a situation is to simply step away from it.
Stepping away can give you time to gather your thoughts and come up with a plan of action.
I have developed a practice I call Take 24. I give myself 24 hours to decide if and how to address difficult situations or difficult people. The Take-24 practice has saved me from more aggressively dealing with stressful situations.
You have nothing to lose to keep your ego in check and know that saying and doing nothing may be your most effective response.
