Practice the PAUSE.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you feel like you overreacted causing the situation to be worse? Thinking to yourself, well maybe I shouldn't have done this or said that? Hindsight is usually 20/20. Next time you find yourself in a conflicting situation, challenge yourself to shift your thoughts and PAUSE. Below is a helpful strategy suggested for situations as such.

PAUSE
PAUSE before JUDGING
PAUSE before ASSUMING
PAUSE before ACCUSING
PAUSE before REACTING
- Lori Deschene
Practicing the PAUSE enables you to avoid escalation. Most of the time, we react too quickly. Avoid doing and saying things you'll regret later by simply thinking before you react!