India, Oct. 26 -- A short message from a friend, an unexpected comment from a colleague, or a disagreement with someone you care about can change your mood in seconds. You might respond sharply, defend yourself before hearing the other person out, or say something you later wish you could take back. In the moment, your reaction may feel justified, but once the emotions settle, you may see the situation differently. Learning to recognize how you feel before acting can help you handle such moments with greater awareness and avoid turning an ordinary disagreement into a bigger problem.

The difference between reacting and responding often comes down to the pause you allow yourself. Tony Nader, MD, PhD, MARR, explains that creating a little s...