Developing an emotional toolbox is so important. It is a set of skills and strategies to help navigate challenges that can make the difference between thriving under pressure and feeling stress and overwhelmed.

Here are 10 things in my toolbox that are helpful in coping with stressful situations.

1. Mindfulness to bring you back to the here and now so you do not focus on past baggage or the fear of the future. Mindfulness means slowing down, doing one thing at a time and being in the moment. Meditation is a great mindfulness technique. Meditation helps you take a pause and reboot. You can take a few minutes to be in nature or to listen to a guided meditation.
2. Positive affirmations to remind yourself of who you really are – write down a few affirmations you can say daily such as “I ‘am Healthy and whole”
3. Your “flow” activities to take you outside of yourself – what activities do you love that give you a sense of timelessness?