There are nearly infinite ways to cope, and Cognitive Coping
we all use the methods that suit our unique personalities and needs. An activity that • Make a gratitude list; • Brainstorm solutions; causes stress in one individual might help • Lower your expectations of the situation; another person cope. • Keep an inspirational quote with you; • Be flexible; It doesn’t matter whether you cope like • Write a list of goals; everyone else. The important thing is that • Take a class; you find effective coping methods that will • Act opposite of negative feelings; help you to thrive and build resilience. • Write a list of pros and cons for decisions; Below, you’ll find Blake Flannery’s • Reward or pamper yourself when master list of coping methods and skills successful; • Write a list of strengths; organized into categories (2016). No • Accept a challenge with a positive matter what you need in a given moment, attitude. there is probably at least one activity listed below that will help. Tension Releasers
Diversions • Exercise or play sports;
• Engage in catharsis (yelling in the • Write, draw, paint, photography; bathroom, punching a punching bag); • Play an instrument, sing, dance, act; • Cry; • Take a shower or a bath; • Laugh. • Garden; • Take a walk, or go for a drive; Physical • Watch television or a movie; • Watch cute kitten videos on YouTube; • Get enough sleep; • Play a game; • Eat healthy foods; • Go shopping; • Get into a good routine; • Clean or organize your environment; • Eat a little chocolate; • Read; • Limit caffeine; • Take a break or vacation. • Practice deep/slow breathing.
Social/Interpersonal Coping Spiritual
• Talk to someone you trust; • Pray or meditate;
• Set boundaries and say “no”; • Enjoy nature; • Write a note to someone you care about; • Get involved in a worthy cause. • Be assertive; • Use humor; Limit-Setting • Spend time with friends and/or family; • Serve someone in need; • Drop some involvement; • Care for or play with a pet; • Prioritize important tasks; • Role-play challenging situations with • Use assertive communication; others; • Schedule time for yourself. • Encourage others.