Stress Management Workshop: Week Four
Situational Stress
What is Situational Stress?
- You experience situational stress when you're in a scary situation you have no control over.
- This could be an emergency, but more commonly it's a situation that involves conflict or a loss of status/acceptance in the eyes of your group.
- e.g. Getting fired from your job
- e.g. Making a major mistake in front of others
Coping skills to manage situational stress
KEY POINT: This type of stress often appears suddenly, like in a situation you did not anticipate, so it is important to increase your awareness and skills.
Technique 1: Recognize automatic physical and emotional signals that your body sends out when you're under pressure
- Every person reacts differently to situational stress.
- How do you respond to stress?
- How can you control this response?
- Back to Week One to review Physical and Emotional Signs
Technique 2: Use effective conflict resolution skills
- Conflicts are an important cause of situational stress.
- Try to come up with win-win solutions to the problem.
Technique 3: Acknowledge, name, and manage emotions in the moment
- Ask yourself: “What feeling am I experiencing right now?”
- Use coping skills to manage those feelings
|
If I Feel... |
I Should... |
|---|---|
|
Overwhelmed |
Take a break |
|
Stressed |
Focus on relaxation |
|
Anxious |
Practice my coping skills |
|
Sad |
Be loving toward myself |
|
Angry |
Find a positive outlet |
|
Drained |
Rest (mind, body, soul) |
|
Broken |
Practice (self) compassion |
|
Upset |
Find love & support |
Go Forward to Stress Management Workshop: Week Five
Page last modified June 4, 2026