Push past the fear

When you get bad news, how do you react? When I hear unexpected bad news, I actually feel a tightening starting in my shoulders that moves around to my chest and then to my stomach. It's a visceral reaction to stress and pain. 

Depending on the severity of the news, I handle it a couple of different ways. First, I literally try to step outside of my physical body, mentally. Look in at the situation. Visualize relaxing. Breathing. Calm. 

Then, I step back in and start reasoning it out. Making a plan and working it to solve the immediate problem. It's what I've always done. I rarely let myself dwell in it, even for a short amount of time. Like many of us, in unfocused moments, I let fear and doubt creep in. Self-judgment. Doubt. What could I have done to prevent this? Once I clearly identify it, I think about what I've learned. In every situation, good or bad, we have the opportunity to teach or learn a lesson. I truly believe this and it helps me reframe and get something positive out of the situation that will enable me to grow. Become better. Help myself and others. 

How do you handle stress? Please comment below.