What should be checked first while making a decision under stress?

Correct answer: What the real facts of the problem are

Stress can magnify fear and narrow attention, so a useful first step is to separate observable facts from assumptions, guesses, and emotional impressions. Checking the actual facts creates a more balanced basis for comparing options. Other people’s opinions, the easiest route, or the felt size of fear may be relevant later, but none should replace factual understanding of the problem.