I've been thinking about this sometimes. Often, when I get in a stressed situation (although I don't often get in a stressed situation), I just remember that in most cases, nothing has actually physically changed since the last time I was in a more peaceful situation. It's mostly just emotions and ideas. When I realize this, I find it really hard to actually get stressed.
On a just slightly related note, I became fascinated about how weekends feel so different from week days, even if I in the weekend sometimes wake up after school would be finished on a week day. The rest of the day is technically the same, but the fact that I remember being at university earlier that day completely changes my feel of the day.
I really enjoyed your write-up.
Grounding yourself to reality is a powerful thing. Its relieving knowing the only thing you must do is survive. The weekend thing is also quite interesting! Our brains do weird things, but we must do it first in order for it to do it again.