Healthy Coping Mechanisms

NOTE: Not all skills help everyone, but they are all worth trying.

1. Therapy

Although this may seem obvious, I know of many people who don't believe that it is useful at all, not even just for themselves. It helps to get the emotions out for many people.

2. Distractions

These can include coloring, music, watching TV, and so many other things. I have noticed through many encounters that distractions seem to help a majority of people. The reason for this being that it temporarily gets your mind off of whatever is bothering you.

3. Writing

Writing can include journaling, poetry, or stories. I know it, like anything, does not help everyone but it gets the thing(s) bothering a person off their chest. It could also be used as a distraction method. A good goal, especially for journaling, is to try to do it every day for at least a week to a month to see if that makes a difference.

4. Setting SMART goals

SMART is an acronym, which I will explain each letter.

S means Specific. Make the goal as specific as possible. For example, "I will do yoga for 30 minutes a day 4 days a week."

M means Measurable. How can you measure this goal? For example, you could set a timer, pausing it if you are unable to do the task the entire time (in one sitting).

A stands for Attainable. Do not start with a goal which would be impossible to meet. An attainable goal (for me) would be the goal above.

R stands for Realistic. Do not make it a goal which is unrealistic for you, personally. For me, this is, "I will do yoga for 30 minutes every day by (insert date here)."

T is Time-bound. Make a timeline which will allow for you to be successful with your goal. For me, that would look like, "I will do yoga for 30 minutes two days a week for two weeks, then increase it to three days a week for two weeks. After that, I will do yoga for 30 minutes four days a week and will continue that."

5. Watch Your Wording

When setting goals, rather than saying, "I will do (insert activity here," you should say, "I (insert activity here)." That doesn't matter if you already do the activity or not. This is one I learned from a therapist. We set the goals and it made it feel as though I needed to accomplish them more than I already felt as though I needed to.

6. Light Exercise

Light exercise can include walking, yoga, or other light to moderate physical activity. This helps by releasing different chemicals in your brain, including dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.

7. Accountability Partner

Having an accountability partner, or even group, helps to accomplish goals by being having someone to encourage you to do whatever your goal is. My main accountability partner is my mom, as she is the only one who knows everything I am going through. Other options could be friends, a support group, or even a teacher.

8. Arts and Crafts

This can also be used to either distract or express emotions. I, personally, have used it for both and it usually helps me. I love to color, make resin projects, paint, and make bracelets out of loom bands.

In case you haven't noticed, I am a very creative person. There are hundreds of other ways to deal with whatever you need to deal with. Please try to use healthy skills before resorting to unhealthy mechanisms.

Although it isn't a requirement, tips are always appreciated.