Negative feelings like stress, burnout, anger, or other mental health issues are challenging to deal with no matter who you are. These feelings affect everyone at some point, so it is important to know healthy coping skills to assist you in overcoming these challenging emotions. Beecon Recovery prioritizes the well-being of our patients, and we want to share some simple and effective coping strategies to assist you in the process of treating your mental health concerns.
Healthy Coping Skills
Here are 13 different coping skills you can try when you are feeling low, stuck, or stressed:
1 – Exercise
One of the easiest and most effective coping skills to help with mental health is exercise. Moving your body and sweating is a great way to release stress. Running, going for a walk, or lifting weights are some easy ways to exercise and clear your mind.
2 – Talk to Someone
Meeting up with or calling a friend or family member can be a great opportunity to vent and get your feelings out. It can also be a great way to focus on other things and connect with others, which is an effective coping skill to help you forget your own problems and connect with others. Connecting with others is one of the best ways to get outside yourself and feel support.
3 – Get Off Social Media
Social media can be a great way to connect with others, but it can also have a very negative effect on people and their mental health. It is easy to compare yourself with others when people are only showing the good things in their lives. Social media can also distract yourself from completing important tasks, leading to being unproductive and feeling sluggish. Take a break from social media and fill your time with more productive activities for a few weeks.
4 – Join a Club
Human connection is an effective way to feel better and more well-rounded. Joining a club or team provides a great opportunity to connect with others, gain a new hobby, and get out of the house.
5 – Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude has the power to help you see the positive in your life. Making a list of just 10 things you are grateful for can shift your attitude to a more positive one. It may be hard to list 10 at first, but the more you do it, the easier it will be to find things to be grateful for.
6 – Get Outside
When you’re in a slump, it is easy to stay in bed and just watch shows all day, but getting outside has been proven to lift your mood. Even simply sitting under the sun for a few minutes can give you an energy boost and give you much needed vitamins and endorphins for the body. Vitamin D from the sun can literally make you happier in just a few minutes.
7 – Focus on What You Can Control
Many of life’s unnecessary stresses come from worrying about things you cannot control. Focusing on what you can control can take weight off of your shoulders and help you get rid of unwanted stress and negative feelings.
8 – Try Something New
A great way to get yourself out of a funk is to try something new. You could try out a new hobby, test out a new restaurant, watch a new TV show, or buy a new article of clothing. Getting out of your regular routine can help give yourself the boost you need to feel better.
9 – Take a Relaxing Bath
Taking time to relax and unwind after a long, stressful day is very beneficial. Rather than watching the news or scrolling through social media, consider drawing yourself a nice, warm bath. The warm water will relax your muscles, and you can add some candles or relaxing music to relax your body and mind even more.
10 – Get Creative
Being creative is a coping skill to exercise your brain and release emotions. Painting, writing, taking pictures, and playing an instrument are some ways to get creative and express your emotions in a positive way.
11 – Read a Book
Reading a book is a way to escape reality and take your mind off of the things that are weighing you down. Not only this, but it keeps your brain active and engaged. Sitting down and reading for even just 20 minutes can help relieve stress and escape your problems.
12 – Rest
Losing yourself in the hustle and bustle of your life is a sure way to burn yourself out. Taking time to truly rest without guilt is needed to keep your body and brain functioning well. Set aside time in your day to rest from your to-do list and give yourself a break.
13 – Schedule a Therapy Appointment
Even with all these coping skills, life can feel overwhelming. If you find yourself continually feeling low or unable to cope, consider scheduling an appointment with a therapist. Therapy is a tool that is used to help individuals cope with their emotions and thoughts in a safe and structured environment. Beecon Recovery is ready to assist you in any way you need, including group therapy and other options for healing. Contact us today to get started on your journey.
