Effectiveness (on a scale of 1 to 10): 8
Sometimes all it takes to diffuse a stressful situation is to step out of it, if just for a minute. If your great uncle Jeff's political rants are making you uncomfortable, or you're about to have a meltdown after listening to your sisters snipe at each other for hours, don't feel guilty about excusing yourself. Step outside for some fresh air, take a quick walk around the block, or even hide out in a back bedroom for a few minutes. We only have so much energy in our emotional reserves--you gotta do what you gotta do to replenish it.
)
