DBT draws on Eastern spiritual traditions to teach mindfulness skills. As a result of these skills, members can pay attention calmly to what is going on in the present. At the moment, it allows people to slow down and focus on what is needed to take care of themselves. In this program, members learn that it is better to act wisely than to succumb to intense emotions and act destructively. A person's ability to cope with stress helps them cope with difficult times when emotions are high. When people feel upset, it teaches them to soothe themselves instead of hiding from or becoming overwhelmed by emotions. Instead of falling victim to intense, desperate, and often destructive emotional reactions, individuals can make informed decisions about whether and how to take action. To get one's wants or needs met healthily, interpersonal effectiveness skills are important for understanding what needs are in a relationship and developing effective approaches to dealing with others. People can better understand their emotions by using the DBT emotion regulation skills. People learn how to ride out strong emotions without acting on them by decreasing the intensity of their feelings.