Another essential component of managing your stress is knowing how to assert yourself. Being assertive isn't a matter of being aggressive or passive. It’s a matter of communicating your needs and thoughts clearly. Let's look at these terms more closely.

An aggressive style of communication expresses needs in a way which violates others. This includes the use of put-downs, sarcasm, pushiness, harsh judgments, finger-pointing, threats, or sharpness.

Having a passive style means that feelings, preferences, needs, or opinions are not expressed, or expressed indirectly. One's rights are easily violated and feelings are held inside, so resentment builds up.

An assertive style expresses feelings, needs, and opinions directly, and stands up for the right to be treated fairly and respectfully, but doing so in a respectful and firm way. This includes setting limits (e.g., saying "no") and remaining open to negotiation.

Assertive communication with others can help you improve your relationships because of increasing honesty and mutual respect. It can also help you establish helpful limits or boundaries so that you retain more control over your time. Better control of your time allows you to protect "down time " for relaxation, exercise, and other forms of self-care.

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