Coping Skills

May 14

Sometimes it can be really hard to cope with life’s struggles, and seeking the help of a counselor near you can be an excellent way to start. This month’s blog will focus on healthy coping skills, but it's important to remember that a professional counselor can offer personalized guidance and support. Below are nine different ways that we can cope in a healthy way, but if you find that you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

1. Calming Skills: Techniques which slow the body processes down.

Deep breathing-Yoga-Meditation-Muscle relaxation

2. Self-Soothing: Activities which activate the senses (Vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch)

Viewing art-Setting out flowers-Lighting a scented candle-Playing music-Drinking hot cocoa-Eating your favorite food-Taking a hot bath-Applying scented body lotion-Looking at a favorite photograph-Drinking ice cold water

3. Distracting Activities: Actions that take your mind away from the stressor.

Cleaning-Watching your favorite movie-Hobbies-Computer/Video games-Dining out, Puzzle-Humor-Television-YouTube-Organizing-Folding clothes-Reading-Family games-Gardening

4. Improve the Moment: Tools that can help you connect with your internal peace.

Imagery-Meaning-Meditation-Relaxation-Be in the moment-Ride the wave-Mindfulness

5. Connecting with Others: Reaching out to others to obtain support.

Visit/Telephone a friend-Talk with family-Attend an organized event-Talk in a group-See a therapist

6. Thinking Skills: Changing thought patterns to increase rational/constructive thought

Positive Affirmations-Challenging thoughts-Awareness journaling-Positive self-talk-Thought stopping-Weighing pros and cons-Big picture

7. Releasing Skills: Opportunities for releasing energy related to anxiety or anger.

Writing-Dancing-Running-Scrubbing the floor-Bicycling-Hitting a pillow-Holding ice-Throwing rice

8. Communication Skills: Using effective communication skills to improve relationships

Assertive communication-Listening-Time out technique-“I” statements

9. Contributing: Gaining a sense of purpose/satisfaction from helping those in need

Assist someone with a task-Volunteer-Do something surprising/thoughtful

***Remember that all of these won’t necessarily work for you. Be ready to try something new!

Reach out to one of our therapists at Pineapple Counseling in Flower Mound, TX or Southlake, TX today!

Pineapple Counseling

Pineapple Counseling provides counseling as support and guidance through a difficult time, so that clients can find joy in their lives again. They believes that clients are the expert of their own lives, and their goal is to make counseling as comfortable and collaborative as possible. Problems do not have to become a permanent staple in one’s life. Through counseling, Pineapple Counseling believes clients can find their happiness again.

http://www.pineapplecounseling.com