How to Cope With Conflict & Stress

Life hands us challenges that often take the form of conflict and stress. Handling others, ourselves or the environment during these times provides an opportunity for emotional growth. Health hazards may result if we avoid addressing the sources of conflict and stress.

Physiology

• The "fight or flight" response kicks in when danger threatens us. When the mind perceives a threat, like stress or conflict, the body responds with a shot of adrenalin and cortisol to the bloodstream, a rapid heart beat, increased blood pressure and an increase of blood sugar to nourish the muscles. The mind-body link reminds us that managing stress and conflict requires managing the mind and the body.

Stress Management

• Manage stress by taking action. Thinking about the object of the stress makes us more stressful. Taking action occupies the mind, like a bait-and-switch technique, and starts managing the task that creates the stress. Practice saying "no" to circumstances over which you have control. Manage the physical manifestations of stress through exercise, meditation, deep breathing or yoga.

Conflict Management

• Dr. Carter McNamara, a consultant on leadership and supervision, offers negotiation pointers on managing conflict: Recognize conflict in order to address it. Understand the issues driving the conflict. State your needs. Listen to the opposing needs. Speak to facts, not personalities. Find the common ground to negotiate agreement.