When I get stressed out, especially at work, my chest feels tight and pressured. I do not feel panicky but this feeling still is bothersome. I feel I need to learn how to become less affected by situations around me but am not sure the right way to do this. Today was a very stressful day at work and the feeling came and lasted for hours. It went away b/c I kept my mind busy(oh and did some breathing too). Is this the way to a less stress life?

Silvana

You are on the right track it sounds like. My chest tightens up every once in a while and distracting yourself with something positive and a breathing technique can help. You have found something that works for you -- keep practicing and it will get to the point where that tightness is no longer a factor. Some kind of relaxation technique might be good--in the direction of progressive muscle tension release techniques. The main thing is to getting you feel comfortable. Practicing changing your reaction to situations:--maybe review lesson #4 a little more and practice a little more. Of course I am assuming that you have the program and if you don't try reacting to people by practicing 'I' messages (I don't feel that way, I didn't like what you said-it made me feel bad, I don't see it that way and there are more.Get creative and figure out just how you can phrase things utilizing 'I'.)Not too many people get defensive or argue when you use 'I' messages. I wish you the best and take care.

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Tim