Stress Mastery: The Art of Coping Gracefully

The Master Strategy Revisited

As soon as you are aware that you are under stress, remember to do the following:

1.	Breathe.
2.	Relax.
3.	Assume a peaceful stance (it helps to smile).
4.	Be aware; observe your experience.
5.	Ask yourself, “Is there another way of looking at this?”
6.	Choose your response.

To better enable yourself to follow the preceding six Master Strategy steps, practice the following techniques, strategies, and suggestions.

• Breathe from your diaphragm, slowly, deeply, and rhythmically.
• Practice active relaxation techniques; use progressive relaxation, and stretch your muscles daily if possible.
• Adopt the witnessing stance to facilitate your awareness.
• Cultivate the stress hardiness attitudes of control, commitment, ...