Stress  can be described as a circumstance or situation that disturbs or is likely to disturb the normal physiological or psychological functioning of a person.

Dealing with Stressful Situations: The Four A’s

1. Avoid unnecessary stress

  • Learn how to say “no”
  • Avoid people who stress you out
  • Take control of your environment
  • Avoid hot-button topics
  • Pare down your to-do list

2. Alter the situation

  • Express your feelings instead of bottling them up
  • Be willing to compromise
  • Be more assertive
  • Manage your time better. 

3. Adapt to the stressor

  • Reframe problems
  • Look at the big picture
  • Adjust your standards
  • Focus on the positive. 

4. Accept the things you can’t change

  • Don’t try to control the uncontrollable
  • Look for the upside
  • Share your feelings
  • Learn to forgive

Dr Mohit Shah is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Unlimited Potentialities (comprehensive mental health care clinic having 3 branches in Mumbai)