The difference between our normal state of mind and our minds and bodies affected by stress can be quite dramatic. I think it is important for us to have some awareness of how stress changes us and how we manage that change. Especially when I am unexpectedly stressed, I become quite angry nearly to the point of rage. My thinking turns negative, critical of others, impatient, even contemptuous. My "pace" quickens and my mind races. I want to scream. Happened this morning when my computer was acting sluggish. (the computer and the nearby window are thankfully still intact).
You see the primary, rather primitive, "reactive choices" created by stress are "fight or flight". Both are highly reactive and emotionally charged as our rational brain is overwhelmed. This includes "trying harder", arguing and yelling or running away. It generates negativity and also "escape fantasies".
Chronic ongoing stress can be much more serious, even deadly. Our health and self-care choices are impaired. We can sink into helplessness and depression, or fall prey to the short term relief of substance abuse or impulsive decisions. Yikes.
Recognition and awareness are key. At that point there are several strategies that can be employed to regain some measure of self control and rational thinking in the moment so we can regain and expand our choices. One is to keep the negatives "specific" (it is that driver, not all drivers). Emotions are often nicely counterbalanced by facts / data. "This computer is taking forever vs the file took 1 minute to load". Another important one is to "see it coming" and prepare ourselves for "how we want to be" instead of how circumstances are forcing us to be.
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