Dear Barrybuddha:

“I have a habit of winding people up. Being sarcastic or getting drawn into office politics or gossip. It’s been exasperated by issues with booze. I’m tired of complaints against me. How do I deal with this??”

My answer:

1. Limit your alcohol consumption to when and where you are not around people who you are  likely to wind up.

2. On a regular basis, lower your stress level and the distress which leads you to wind people up. Do so by having a regular daily routine of exercise, listening to a guided meditation in the morning, and/ or in the middle of the day, and take time out when your distress level goes up, ex.:  when you feel your distress is elevated, take a solo walk outside instead of remaining in communication with people.

3. Practice self control over your behaviors, including what you choose to say. Instead of reacting automatically to how you feel, pause, calm yourself down best you can, and choose what you do or say next.

4. Post here anytime, maybe we can come up with more ideas.

anita

You are welcome, Barrybuddha. Post again anytime.

anita