When things are causing us to feel stressed and overwhelmed, we often try or do something in order to feel better, these are our coping strategies. Coping strategies can be used with anger, stress, sadness, worry, grief, problems, and more. The coping strategies we use can be healthy for us and sometimes unhealthy for us. But how do you know if it’s healthy or unhealthy?
Unhealthy coping strategies tend to make people feel better in the moment; however, they can lead to long term negative consequences. Some common unhealthy coping strategies are:
Avoidance
Drugs or alcohol
Procrastination
Over Eating
Aggression
Social withdrawal
Healthy coping strategies often do not provide people with instant relief, but they do lead to long term positive outcomes. Common healthy coping strategies are:
Exercise
Talking About Your Problems
Eating Healthy
Setting Boundaries
Practicing Assertiveness
Relaxation Techniques
Using Social Support
Problem Solving
So when you decide that your unhealthy coping strategies are no longer working, make the switch to healthy ones. Ask yourself, what healthy coping strategies might I be willing to try? What barriers might prevent me from using the healthy coping strategies? Sometimes we need to feel uncomfortable in the short term in order to have long term success.
If you are feeling stressed and want to develop healthy coping strategies, do not postpone, contact me or book your session today
By Keli Gwost MS, LPC
March 18, 2020