The STOPP Technique

Such a fabulous quote!⁠⠀
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I so frequently hear people saying their emotions go from 0-100 with no space in between but, although it may not feel like it, there is always a space to choose your response. We may not have control over the emotions we feel but we do have control over how we respond to them!⁠⠀
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The STOPP technique can be really helpful in finding the space to think between a situation occurring and our reaction to it.⁠⠀
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S- Stop: pause for a moment without reacting.⁠⠀
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T- Take a breath: turn your awareness to your breathing. Try to take a long, slow deep breath and focus on it as fully as you can. ⁠⠀
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O- Observe: what thoughts are going through your head? What is it you are reacting to? What sensations are you noticing in your body? ⁠⠀
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P- Pull Back: find some perspective – What’s the bigger picture here? How might someone else see this situation? What advice would I give a friend who was in this situation? How important will this be in 6 months time? Are my thoughts about this situation helping me here or holding me back?⁠⠀
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P: Practise what works & proceed -What is the best thing to do right now? What is the most helpful and safest thing I can do for myself and for others? What can I focus my attention on that will help me? ⁠⠀
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Try practising the STOPP technique through your day, even when you don’t need it or try carrying written reminders with you so it comes naturally when you really need it! ⁠⠀
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