Snow, Snow, Snow and more Snow… Life consistently presents us with challenges and changes and at times this can lead to us feeling stressed.
Planning how to manage and cope in various life situations, and finding out which coping skills work best for you, is the key to succeeding with stress rather then experiencing distress. Here are 5 ideas that might help you develop and become confident in employing coping skills.
Here are some ideas for coping with stress:
- Understand more about stress – this involves recognizing your sources of stress and how stress affects you personally. Plan for stressful periods.
- Problem-solve – what is the problem, be specific and break it down into realistic, achievable components. Then set goals on how to deal with each problem. Make sure you include how to begin your plan of action.
- Develop new behavior – if you take on too much or have problems saying no, learn to be assertive. There are plenty of courses on-line, at local colleges or you may prefer to seek professional help. Learn to manage your time more effectively and delegate wherever possible! Avoid procrastination; even though you’re not doing it, you’ll only be spending energy worrying about it.
- Make sure you develop a support network – deliberately develop good supportive relationships. Ask for help when needed and accept it when offered. You must also be prepared to do the same for others.
- Make time to relax and enjoy yourself – how many of us know we should do more of this but don’t make the time? Set aside time each day to relax and build this into your routine. Develop hobbies and leisure activities that help you too switch off.
Can you imagine yourself doing any of these activities when you need to cope?
Asserting yourself – Contacting one of your supports – Listening to music – Exercising- Taking a break – Going to a movie -Reading a book -Laughing/crying – Taking a walk – Taking a nice long bath – Writing a letter or a journal – Learning something new – Eating something healthy – Helping someone else.
Keep calm… Spring is on the way… I’m pretty sure.
To your success!
