We all know what the word coping means. We could also refer to it as dealing, handling, confronting, or grappling. With anxiety, it can take coping skills, which merely refers to the knowledge of what we’re dealing with, the ability and practice to handle it, to get through the situations we are faced with on a day-to-day basis. I guess I’d like emphasize the knowledge and practice part, because as long as we know our enemy and practice successful ways to defeat (him), we’ll get there–in my opinion.
There are as many varied plans for coping skills as there are the people who design them. One talks about coping statements — like “So I feel a little anxiety now, SO WHAT? It’s not like it’s the first time. I am going to take some nice deep breaths and keep on going. This will help me continue to get better.”
In the articles I researched, I did not see this, but I really find that hobbies or something else constructive are important to distract oneself from anxious, troublesome thoughts during the day. For myself, it’s mainly crochet, but I also enjoy Zentangle, drawing, adult coloring, writing, and things like that. When I do these things, I find that I can concentrate just long enough that the rest of my mind can go away.
Other coping skills may include exercise, getting enough good sleep, talking to someone, exposure, staying positive, and getting involved or volunteering.
What works for you?
Cheers to the day! Peace out.
Recovery Along Route 66 
Chris, I was sure you were going to use “crochet” for C, but I see you did get it in here anyway! It is wonderful for relaxing and getting into a meditative state. It’s also good when you want something a little challenging to make you concentrate by trying new stitches or projects. And reading will always be one of my best strategies!
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Elaine,
Don’t think I wasn’t tempted to use “crochet”! You bring up an interesting point, about more challenging projects which force us to concentrate a little more. That’s actually another good way to get through being anxious, right? You’ve got all these unwanted thoughts in your head BUT all you can focus on are the stitches in front of you. Fantastic!
–Chris
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Exactly, Chris, and the added bonus is that accomplishing something challenging builds your sense of accomplishment and self-esteem!
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Indeed!
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Crocheting/knitting, reading, writing and simply listening to music are what I usually do as a coping method. Sometimes simply doing a puzzle or coloring works as well. Love that you use Zentangle.
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Megan, thank you for reminding me about music. I often underestimate the simple power of a song to transform a moment in time, to make us feel differently. Sure, I listen to music in my car, but I don’t listen to it at home when I need to.
–Chris
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I cope by taking some time to myself to read. It’s what calms me and helps me get through.
Good luck with the 2015 A to Z Challenge!
A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
http://pensuasion.blogspot.com
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I totally forgot about reading! I mean, I like eat books on a daily basis and your right, that also helps bring about a sense of balance.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for the wishes! I will surely need them.
–Chris
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I like that you’re using crochet and Zentangle. Many years ago, I discovered a product, which I don’t think they even make anymore, called Tri-Chem liquid embroidery. It was basically fabric paint in a tube. They sold different tips to attach to it so you got different “painting” effects. It was very relaxing and I later found out that it was used in hospitals for patients with anxiety, to help them relax. Since then, I also find that coloring, just plain old coloring in a coloring book can do wonders. And of course, as you’ve discovered, Zentangle is awesome for this!
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Wow Corina,
What a wonderful idea, liquid embroidery! My sister is trying to find something like that. She’s got a bunch of blank t-shirts and doesn’t know what to do with them. That’s so creative that you designed it yourself.
–Chris
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