STOPP Technique For Critical Situation

STOPP Technique:

1. Stop and Step Back: Don't act immediately. Pause.

2. Take a Breath: Notice your breath as you breathe in and out. 

3. Observe: What am I thinking and feeling? What are the words that mind is saying? Is this fact or opinion? Descriptions or evaluations? Accurate or inaccurate? Helpful or unhelpful? What unhelpful thinking habit am I using ( e. g. Mind reading , negative filter, thinking the worst) ?  Where is my focus of attention ?  What metaphor could I use ( mountain, tunnel, playground bully, thought train, beach ball, passengers on the bus)?. 

4. Pull back: Put in some perspective : See the situation as outside observer. What would a fly on the wall see? Is there another way of looking at it?What would someone else see and make of it? What advice would I give to someone else? What's the helicopter view? What meaning am I giving this event for me to react in this way? How important it is right now, and will it be in 6 months?  Is my reaction is proportion to the actual event?

5. Practice What Works: 

Do what works and what is helpful. 

Play to your principles and values. 

Will it be effective and appropriate? Is it in proportion to the event? 

Is it in keeping with my values and principles? 

What will be the consequences of my action? 

What will be the best for me and most helpful for this situation. 

Hope you all find this useful and follow this technique to protect yourself during critical situation and take care of your mental well being.

Love

Sindhu.