• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Tammy Lenski

Disagree better | Tammy Lenski

  • Hello
  • Articles
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • Programs
  • Contact
  • Login

Cultivating emotional agility

Conflict hack: Take a real break

TweetLinkedInFacebookPinEmail

We all know the value of taking a break when things get a bit hot under the collar during conflict. Research on brain function during heightened emotion backs up this practice—and suggests that how we use that time during the “break” makes all the difference in the world.

Simply taking a breather is much less effective if we use that time to replay the conflict in our mind. Such replay and rehearsal, when we’re already angry, extends the state of strong emotion.

To truly cool off, studies suggest, we should engage our brains in activity that isn’t about replaying the conflict. So next time you decide to go for a walk after a disagreement, find something else to think about.

TweetLinkedInFacebookPinEmail

Thanks for reading

You can get more ways to navigate difficult conversations with agility and skill in my monthly conflict resolution newsletter, free for over 20 years. Join thousands of loyal, long-term subscribers worldwide:

The Disagree Better Newsletter from Dr. Tammy Lenski

Footer

 

Unleash the power of 100+ conflict resolution tools, techniques, and insights at your fingertips

Laptop computer showing the Conflict Resolution Toolbox page

©2002-2023 TAMMY LENSKI • SITE POLICIES

  • Safeguarding the space between
  • Fine-tuning communication
  • Cultivating emotional agility
  • Examining mental models
  • Using good process
Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!