Pretend

Get a picture in your mind of yourself at your most centered, loving, calm and peaceful. Use this image in times of stress. However you are feeling, ask yourself, "If I were feeling that way, how would I act in this situation?" Then act that way. Pretend you are in a play, and your role is of the kind, loving, nurturing, protective paragon of virtue. You'll be surprised how easy it is to become that version of you.