Sometimes life can feel overwhelming -- whether its a difficult test at school, a fight with a friend, troubles at home, etc. -- and bring on feelings of anxiety. Too much stress can start to affect our physical and mental well-being. It might lower self-esteem, decrease interpersonal and academic success, and create a cycle of self-blame and self-doubt. This is where Coping Skills comes in.
Below is a list of strategies for you to try out when you are feeling stressed. Keep in mind not all of these will work for you - it's just a matter of finding the right fit. Most importantly, be able to identify one or two Processing Skills that help you work through your feelings and not just avoid them.
Below is a list of strategies for you to try out when you are feeling stressed. Keep in mind not all of these will work for you - it's just a matter of finding the right fit. Most importantly, be able to identify one or two Processing Skills that help you work through your feelings and not just avoid them.
Coping vs Numbing: Do you know the difference?
Unlike numbing which suppresses or ignores emotion, coping skills help people manage feelings so they can handle life challenges or everyday obstacles. Numbing strategies can only bring short term relief and do not ultimately help in solving or coping with life stressors. Box Breathing is a calming technique that you can use anytime and anywhere. It is especially helpful during times of increased anxiety. For instance, you might use it right before a test or when you're about to give a speech in front of the class, or even leading up to a difficult conversation.
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Grounding Techniques
You can use grounding techniques to help create space from distressing feelings in nearly any situation. These techniques may help distract you from what you’re experiencing and refocus on what’s happening in the present moment.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere and is proven to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, toxic stress, and physical health problems.
How to Practice Mindfulness
S – Stop (movement, work, etc)
T – Take a breath
O – Observe what’s going on (in your body and in your surroundings)
P – Proceed (Meet your thoughts and emotions with compassion and let them go. Do not judge your emotions or thoughts, or cling to them)
https://www.mindful.org/a-five-minute-breathing-meditation/
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere and is proven to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, toxic stress, and physical health problems.
How to Practice Mindfulness
S – Stop (movement, work, etc)
T – Take a breath
O – Observe what’s going on (in your body and in your surroundings)
P – Proceed (Meet your thoughts and emotions with compassion and let them go. Do not judge your emotions or thoughts, or cling to them)
https://www.mindful.org/a-five-minute-breathing-meditation/
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an intervention that aims to improve mental health. CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful or negative thoughts and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an intervention that aims to improve mental health. CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful or negative thoughts and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems