How do you handle difficult people without getting stressed?

2 Manage your own emotions

The second step to handle difficult people without getting stressed is to manage your own emotions. Difficult people can trigger negative emotions in you, such as anger, frustration, or anxiety. However, you can control how you react to them by regulating your emotions. To do this, you can use some techniques, such as breathing deeply, counting to ten, or taking a break. You can also practice positive self-talk, affirmations, or gratitude to calm yourself and boost your confidence. By managing your own emotions, you can avoid escalating the conflict and maintain your composure.

3 Choose your battles wisely

The third step to handle difficult people without getting stressed is to choose your battles wisely. You don't have to engage in every argument or disagreement with difficult people. Sometimes, it may be better to ignore, avoid, or walk away from them. You can also agree to disagree, or compromise on some issues. However, if you have to confront them, make sure you do it respectfully and assertively. You can use the I-statements, such as "I feel", "I need", or "I want", to express your feelings and needs without blaming or accusing them. You can also use active listening, empathy, and feedback to show that you care and understand them. By choosing your battles wisely, you can save your energy and time for more important matters.

4 Set boundaries and limits

The fourth step to handle difficult people without getting stressed is to set boundaries and limits. You have the right to protect yourself from being mistreated, manipulated, or abused by difficult people. You can set boundaries and limits by saying no, being clear about your expectations, and enforcing consequences. You can also ask for help or support from others, such as your manager, your colleagues, or your friends, if you feel overwhelmed or threatened by difficult people. By setting boundaries and limits, you can respect yourself and others, and prevent further harm or stress.

5 Learn from the experience

The fifth step to handle difficult people without getting stressed is to learn from the experience. You can use the experience of dealing with difficult people as an opportunity to grow and improve your emotional intelligence skills and strategies. You can reflect on what went well and what went wrong, and what you can do differently next time. You can also ask for feedback from others, or seek professional help if needed. By learning from the experience, you can increase your self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management.

6 Practice self-care

The sixth and final step to handle difficult people without getting stressed is to practice self-care. Dealing with difficult people can be exhausting and draining, so you need to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. You can practice self-care by doing activities that make you happy, relaxed, and energized, such as exercising, meditating, reading, or listening to music. You can also seek social support from your family, friends, or other positive people who can listen to you, comfort you, or cheer you up. By practicing self-care, you can replenish your resources and resilience, and cope better with stress.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?