121. How To Be Awesome At Not Snipping At Your People

Here are some key strategies to help you plan ahead, manage stress, and respond with patience instead of snapping at your loved ones:

Why We Get Snippy & How to Prevent It

  1. Lack of Time = Lack of Patience – When we’re rushed, our tolerance drops. Planning ahead creates space for calmer interactions.

  2. Stress & Overload – When our mental/emotional load is too heavy, small things set us off. Managing stress proactively prevents snippy reactions.

  3. Not Meeting Our Own Needs – When we’re tired, hungry, or overstimulated, we’re more likely to react negatively.

How to Plan Ahead to Avoid Being Snippy

  1. Buffer Time in Your Schedule – Give yourself 5-10 extra minutes before key transitions (leaving the house, dinnertime, bedtime routines) to prevent feeling rushed.

  2. Set a “Reset” Ritual – Before engaging with your family or team, take 30 seconds to breathe deeply, reset your mood, and remind yourself of how you want to show up.

  3. Identify Your Triggers – Notice when you’re most likely to snap (e.g., right after work, during morning chaos) and create a strategy for those moments (deep breaths, stepping away, music, or hydration).

  4. Pre-Communicate Expectations – Set clear expectations with your family/team about transitions or tasks to avoid last-minute stress (e.g., “We’re leaving in 10 minutes” vs. “Hurry up, we’re late!”).

  5. Use “I’m About To Be Snippy” Signals – Recognize when frustration is rising and call it out before reacting: “I need a second,” or “I feel overwhelmed, let’s pause.”

  6. Plan for Self-Care Daily – Even 5 minutes of alone time, movement, or quiet time makes a difference in emotional regulation.

  7. Create a Stress-Reducing Environment – A calm home or workspace (organized, decluttered, good lighting) reduces external stress triggers.

  8. Sleep, Food, Water Check-In – Low blood sugar or exhaustion makes snippy responses more likely. Prioritize good sleep, hydration, and balanced meals.

  9. Practice the 3-Second Rule – Before responding snippily, take three seconds to pause, breathe, and choose a response that aligns with your best self.

Quick Fixes in the Moment

  • The Smile Reset – Physically smiling (even if forced) can shift your mood.

  • Walk Away Before You Snap – Give yourself 60 seconds to reset.

  • Turn Snippy into Funny – If you feel irritation rising, flip it into humor instead of frustration.

I hope this episode helps you to reframe your approach to stressful interactions so you can respond as the best version of yourself.  Have an awesome day! 

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