FAKE-OUT 15: KEEPING YOUR COOL

"In the face of a stressful situation, force yourself to under-react." suggests Beverly Potter, PhD. author of The Worrywart's Companion.  Let's say your hear some horrowing bit of news, like your boss has kindly elected you to be the one to explain to the shareholders why you're not maintaining the bottom line.  Instead of running screaming from your office, say calmly, 'It's going to be tough but I'll have to live through it,' even if Michael Jackson as a father figure is a more credible concept.  "Through the power of suggestion, your physical reaction will follow the lead of your verbal response," explains Potter.  "Just saying you're relaxed will cue your body to start to act relaxed."

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