Creating Coping Mechanisms
During these times stress can be at an all-time high. I’m sure you have been personally affected, inconvenienced and or annoyed due to the pandemic and all that has taken place as a result of it. It's important to know that uncertainty and feelings of anxiety are ok. Once we realize that we have these feelings we need to learn how we can work with them.
Stress shows itself in many ways whether it be through headaches, anger, physical symptoms or loss of desire to do the things that we would otherwise be interested in. This is all normal. What’s also normal is ignoring these signs and or symptoms because of the hustle and bustle of life. As much as it's important to be tough and or strong it's just as important to be aware of times when you can’t be strong and need to rest, relax, and give yourself a break. There is strength in that as well.
Here’s a list of 5 things that help can help keep stress levels down:
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Sitting still - Counting to 10. Meditation. Taking deep breaths. These are all synonymous and all help keep stress levels down. The great thing is these things can be done pretty much anywhere and you will feel the positive effects almost immediately.
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Intentionally laughing - Something about laughter always makes us feel better. I like to listen to comedy albums on Spotify or Apple Music.
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Approaching life with an attitude of gratitude - I know when I am thinking about all of the things I am grateful for, it's much more difficult to feel stress, anger or discomfort.
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Listening to music - Music is great because we can use it to manipulate our emotions. It can uplift us, encourage us, motivate us and comfort us.
- Talking to someone - Whether it's professional therapy or venting to a friend, it's always beneficial to get things off of our chest.
We all have stress from time to time. It is essential to establish coping mechanisms that are healthy and allow us to stay proactive when dealing with stress and our problems. Self-evaluation and reflection are the first steps to alleviate stress in our lives.
By Ernest Moore