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By knowing your stress level and not giving yourself a hard time, your stress lessens. The whole world is stressed out. Don't make a federal case about feeling on edge! By being emotionally aware and accepting your state, stress decreases and you avoid secondary stress—that is, being stressed about being stressed.

The Tool: Check in with yourself throughout the day and warmly observe yourself. You might say: "Oh. I'm a little stressed. That makes perfect sense. Life is stressful!" You will feel a sense of relaxation and a surge of pleasure in your body.

Next: Express your emotions