You can stop your out-of-control stress. You just have to learn to thrive under pressure – not fall apart. To that end, Rodale publishing interviewed all kinds of experts who deal with various stressful situations – from making the clutch play in the big game to handling a combative boss.  

• Let’s start with the clutch play. All eyes are on you in a critical moment – whether it’s the big game, a presentation, or a ceremony. Beat the stress by making it routine. Because when you establish a routine, the difficult task becomes routine. Take Chauncey Billups, a point guard with the Detroit Pistons. His formula for nailing 2 free throws is the same in practice as it is in the fourth quarter. He focuses on the basket’s rim, he takes four dribbles, spins the ball, and shoots. His routine puts him into a calm state of mind. So no matter what your critical moment is – practice until it becomes routine.
• Your boss is hassling you and you’re about to explode. The solution: Tell your boss you need to use the bathroom. Then go wash your hands. Removing yourself from the situation gives you a chance to think, and not say or do something you’ll regret. While you’re gone, let yourself be upset. According to the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness – anger tends to be short-lived when it’s an internal process versus having an argument with someone. Plus, stress can cause your body to overheat. So when stress strikes, run your hands under cold water for one minute. Then go back to the boss and say, “What can I do to help work this out?” If he’s braced for a fight, your cooperativeness will blindside him.
• You want to start dating again but you still can’t forget your ex. The solution: Confine your ex to paper. Make a list of all their good qualities that you miss. Writing it down creates new connections in your brain – which in turn gives you new ways to consider the situation. Then look at the list and ask yourself if your ex has a monopoly on those qualities. Of course the answer is no, which means you can envision of a future with someone else.Now you have a checklist of all the things you’re looking for.