21 Positive Coping Strategies for Stress
Stress affects us all. It’s part of modern life but there are ways to manage stress and to embrace it rather than resist it. Here’s how:
- Abdominal (deep) breathing and relaxation
- Regular exercise
- Downtime – take time out
- Mini breaks
- Time management – know your priorities
- Sleep – regular and at least six hours per night
- Material security
- Social support – friends and family
- Self nurturing – look after yourself
- Good communication, be assertive and ask for what you want
- Recreational activities – playtime
- Emotional release – laugh, have fun.
- Sense of humour – takes the edge off the seriousness of life
- Constructive thinking – dismiss negative thoughts and problem solving
- Distraction – ability to focus on other things rather than your worries
- Acceptance
- Tolerance of uncertainty – life has no guarantees, work with it. Stop resisting what you can’t change
- Task oriented – problem solving. Do something rather than overthink it
- Goals to work towards
- Positive philosophy in life
- Mindfulness – try to live more in the moment than live in the past/future
Stress is vital as it helps us to prepare for challenges. Not all stress is bad but when we feel overwhelmed, the above list can help to ease the worries.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
