When you are really upset, you can be impulsive and do things you might not normally do and regret later. STOP is a way of just creating a moment of time when your thinking can kick in and you can make better decisions.
If you’ve ever played ‘freeze’ before, you’ll get the idea quickly!
Instructions
Stop
Do NOT just react. STOP! Freeze! Do not move a muscle. Your emotions may try to make you act without thinking. STAY IN CONTROL.
Take a step back
Take a step back from the situation! Take a break! Let go. Take a deep breath. Do not let your feelings make you act impulsively.
Observe
Observe! Notice what is going on inside and outside you. What is the situation? What are your thoughts and feelings? What are others saying and doing?
Proceed mindfully
Act with awareness. ‘In deciding what to do, consider your thought and feelings, the situation, and other people’s thoughts and feelings. Can you see what you need to do right now just to deal with the immediate situation. If you can…..just take the next step carefully.