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Utilize mindfulness techniques to enhance self-regulation in stressful situations.
You’re probably familiar with that individual who consistently tests your self-restraint. It could be a coworker you meet occasionally, a friend’s associate, or a family member you only encounter during holidays.
Consider those tense moments, such as receiving a late fee due to a forgotten payment. These scenarios also put our self-regulation skills to the test. Just think about an unexpected tax statement.
Another contributor to self-control issues is ongoing stress—you didn’t sleep well, your meals were unhealthy, you’ve been working a continuous 12-hour shift, and just when you’re about to call it a day, an email from your supervisor pops up—Really? You can’t be serious about adding another task to my plate today.
That person and those scenarios showcase the importance of adopting mindfulness-based coping mechanisms.
According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, “mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying careful attention, intentionally, in the present moment, without judgment.” Employing mindfulness techniques when facing stressors, such as that individual, allows for more controlled and thoughtful responses.
Integrating a mindful coping approach alongside a few fundamental strategies to enhance self-regulation can diminish the stress, avert overwhelming reactions, and facilitate a quicker recovery.