Coping Skills that Work for You
Hi there,
I hope you are all well! From time to time, life can be incredibly tough and we need to figure out what works for us but sometimes it can be really tough to figure that out! If you have been on this journey and figured out healthy coping skills that work for you, please share!
What coping skills do you use that work for you? How do they make you feel and what is one thing you wanted to tell us about your chosen coping skill(s)?
For me, I like to go walking or join a yoga practice even if it's on my own. It makes me feel so much more balanced. One thing I would like people to know is the healing benefits of yoga are truly transformational.
@LisaMeighanMBPsS I use mindfulness with yoga and Tai Chi or simply washing dishes to help me stay focused on what is happening so I do not get lost in my mind with thoughts and emotions.
@soulsings
I love this. Such great coping skills to feel better
@LisaMeighanMBPsS
Lisa, that picture reminded me of times when I used to run long distances when feeling stressed out and it always helped a lot! I believe moving the body is very helpful to combat stress, anxiety or racing thoughts to mention just a few. My knees don't like the running so much anymore so I mostly walk and still get a similar relaxing effect to running.
Other coping skills that work very well for me are meditation and yoga. I particularly like kundalini yoga, here are two of my favorites Kundalini Yoga to Overcome Obstacles, Calming Your Mind - Yoga for Mental Health as it has a very calming effect on me.
If something really angers me I find it very helpful to do a few minutes on my Elliptical machine or do jumping jacks to get rid of excessive energy. It gives me feel good hormones and leaves me in a much more relaxed state after finishing.
@amiablePeace77
The body and mind are very much connected and it is great that you include lots of exercise in your daily routine too! :)
@LisaMeighanMBPsS
Hey Lisa! Love this thread 😊 whenever I start feeling anxious, I usually try to shake it off by doing everyday tasks like emptying the dishwasher or cleaning the pet cage... Setting small goals for myself gives me something to work towards, and that eventually makes me feel better. A combination of yoga and long distance running has helped me a lot as well, during the most difficult times in my life. Another thing I do is baking. Keeps my mind off negativity, and it's very rewarding... Lots of cinnamon rolls 😋👍
@adventurousPeach4460 the dishes is one place I do active meditations. I forget my troubles that way and focus on something I can change, dirty dishes lol.
@adventurousPeach4460
I love this! It's amazing how following a recipe can help us remain focused and we are not stuck in our thoughts. Also the sense of accomplishment is a great one too!
Meditation, exercise, drinking tea, focusing on something other than my thoughts example, talk to a friend
@charmingPlum847 those all sound very nice to me!
@charmingPlum847
So you try to distract yourself? :) That is great!
Alot of times dance makes me feel alot better! I'm in a dance class and I get lost in the movement and music so I dont think as much.
@quietCup7432 dancing is a way to get aware of the body. I practice Tai Chi and it helps me a lot. 5 minute Tai Chi on youtube is very nice almost like dancing.
@quietCup7432
Dancing! That is amazing :) How does it make you feel afterwards?
My healthy coping skills is going on a walk or just sitting outside when it is nice outside. I also listen to music that fits with my emotion at that specific time. I also drink mocha and research different topics. I journal before I go to bed every night.
@musiclover2006
I believe writing down your thoughts and feelings before bed time is very helpful to fall and stay asleep. Nice that music helps you with your emotions, do you have a special playlist with different songs for different emotions?
@musiclover2006
Going for a walk truly helps to clear our mind, doesn't it? I love this and think it's such a simple wellbeing tool but one that can really work for us too.
What coping skills do you use that work for you? How do they make you feel and what is one thing you wanted to tell us about your chosen coping skill(s)?
The coping skills that work for me are dancing, yoga, walking, listening to music, reading, crocheting, and knitting. Doing the things I enjoy by myself makes me feel happier. Lately, I hadn't had any time to do the things I enjoy because I feel like I can't do them when living in my parents' house. My dad listens to horrible things on his phone and my mom always wants to talk to me when I am around. I like my alone time and I'm not getting much of it.
@impartialTalker5228
Those are wonderful coping skills, I find dancing to a favorite song puts you instantly in a better mood and yoga is so relaxing! 😊 Sorry to hear that right now it's difficult to do those things inside the house. It seems your mum is happy to have someone to talk to, have you considered to explain to her why it's so important for you to have some alone-time too? Is there any place in your parents home you could use as a "retreat"?
@impartialTalker5228
It sounds like you have so many coping skills that work for you which is great. It's so unsettling when we no longer have time to do the things we enjoy. Have you thought about guided meditations and earphones to block out the sounds around you?
So many great ideas to try. And several things on here reminded me of similar things I do, so made me think that maybe I'm coping better than I think I am. Thanks for that.
I walk the dogs. There's something about walking that either helps you solve a problem or release some feelings. An empty forest is a great place to sob your misery out.
Pets. For dependability and for giving you a reason to get up and get on with life.
Dancing in the dark in the drive with the car doors open and the radio turned up. For when I'm angry and need to get away from the people in the house. I've only done it twice but writing this has made me decide to do it more. Luckily no close neighbours 😂
@Clio9876
I can very much relate to what you said about walking. To me it seems problem solving is sometimes easier whilst moving and also it can feel like "leaving the feelings behind", walking away from frustration or anger. Never heard about dancing in the dark like you do but it sounds like a healthy way to get relief from whatever is on your mind.
What dogs do you have?
I take mental health classes and zoom groups for everything.
Walk everyday. Take the bus to a new destination I haven' t visited.
I journal and spend time with God.
I practice meditations.
All this I share really works,at least for me.
@alleywood13
Nice that you have a variety of activities to support you. Visiting new destinations is great to keep life interesting! Do you have any favorite places where you want to go?
@LisaMeighanMBPsS Distractions help for a bit; Meditation, Exercising, Playing a quick game and let's not forget people like you and all those who share their own opinions and experiences. I
@pioneeringJar5230
I'm a great believer in meditation and exercise. What kind of games do you play?
@pioneeringJar5230
Meditation is wonderful and all of the other coping skills you have mentioned too :) I just love this. What types of meditations do you typically do?
