At a Glance
Having stressful people in your life can be emotionally draining.
But there are things we can do to protect our well-being as we interact with them.
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How to Manage People Who Stress You Out
We all havedaily stressors.
However, there are also times when dealing with stress requires more of our attention and effort.
One example is dealing with"toxic" peoplein our lives.
In fact, you might even be able to predict what theyll do pretty accurately.
Be proactive about your response to this person.
Lets say that you know you have a meeting with your boss on Monday morning bright and early.
You know that your boss tends to talk over you, which makes you anxious and frustrated.
When you leave work, give a shot to reallyleave workbehind.
Take the weekend to rest and calm your mind as much as you could.
Try not to stress about what might or might not happen.
Control Your Reaction
Have you ever heard the saying that a person who does not care has tremendous power?
If someones actions or words are upsetting you, stop and ask yourself,“Why do I care?
You might find that deep down…you really dont.
Or at least, not in the much bigger picture of your day and even your whole life.
You cannot change or control people.
The only power you have is changing how you react to them.
Taking your response and reaction into your own hands gives you the power to protect yourself.
Sometimes, it actually disarms the other person.
By not giving them a reaction, youre taking their power over you away.
Lets say your mom tends to be a little critical of your fashion choices.
Maybe you feel like youve been having the same arguments with her since you were a teen.
Dont let your usual knee-jerk reaction of getting defensive or exasperated with her behavior take over.
You dont have to address the comment at all.
They get angry, you get angry, then the yelling starts.
They get sad, you get sad, and then youre all crying.
Just because theyve offered you a seat doesnt mean you have to get on their emotional bus.
The next time you get a text with the whole story, just let your friend vent.
you’re free to be an active and supportive listener but venture to keep your feelings in check.
Keep those objectives in mind throughout the ebb and flow of the conversation.
And if you didnt get your needs met in the end?
For example, remember your meeting with your boss on Monday?
As tempted as it is to stew in your thoughts and feelings, dont dwell on what happened.
In fact, theyve probably already given a ticket for their emotional bus to someone else.
Don’t let a stressful interaction ruin the rest of your day.
Learn from your experience and make a plan for the next time you are in that situation.
Then, let it go and take some time to recover with a little self-care.
