Essential Coping Skills for Managing Life’s Challenges
It’s common to face various problems throughout our lives. It is in these challenging moments that our resilience and ability to cope with adversity are tested. However, there are a few exercises you can work on to make dealing with these situations much easier.
Coping skills are characterized by giving us an emotional and psychological break during our struggle against the obstacles we face. Of course, their effectiveness greatly depends on the will of the person applying them, and results can vary from person to person. Nonetheless, they will always leave a positive impact on our lives, as long as they are practiced wisely and within the context of what we’re going through.
Distraction
This method is probably the one we unconsciously apply the most when facing a problem. Naturally, distraction involves the action of redirecting our attention, meaning our mind, to something else—any activity or place far from what is troubling us.
The positive aspect of distraction lies in the fact that it gives your body and mind a well-deserved rest in turbulent moments. It’s a great option to cope with crises and guarantees relief in the short term. However, one could say this is a temporary fix, as it only acts in the moment and doesn’t directly address the root of the problem.
That’s why it should be used cautiously, keeping in mind that it’s a temporary aid to get through very specific difficult moments.
Examples of distraction include conversations, watching TV, playing video games, learning something new, or listening to a podcast.
Grounding
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you must take the name of this method literally, although doing so wouldn’t be wrong either. Grounding is based on using our body’s senses to set aside our thoughts and focus on the sensations produced by our environment.
This helps us face dissociation, which is when we feel like we’re floating, disconnected from the world, people, and everything around us. Similarly, it’s excellent for dealing with physically manifested anxiety.
However, it’s important to note that dissociation isn’t entirely negative, as it’s a natural response of our mind when facing risks and threats. As mentioned before, everything depends on prudence and balance.
Walk barefoot, try a new dish and savor it, listen attentively to the sounds around you, smell the fragrances of nature, and admire its colors. These are just a few examples of how this method can be applied. The important thing is to focus your mind on it.
Emotional release
Have you ever come across the phrase, "It’s better to let out what’s inside" when you're feeling sad? Emotional release is all about that. Sometimes it’s better to let our bodies express those inner concerns, no matter how strange or uncomfortable it may seem.
This method is perfect for dealing with anger and fear. And, although many might not believe it, it’s incredible for releasing the pressure left by a conflict or problem in our lives. Of course, you need to find the right place, including people who make you feel confident enough to do so. It’s okay to be selective in this aspect. Try not to overthink how others will react—just do it in the environment that feels safest for you.
Of course, we’re not just talking about crying. You can also scream, run, laugh, or dance like there’s no tomorrow. Remember, this method is about releasing what’s inside in the way that feels most appropriate for that situation.
Self-Love
This is an extremely important practice that shouldn’t only be applied in moments of crisis. The idea of self-love is a pillar in the healing process for anyone and is based on making peace with yourself, being your own best friend, and becoming that unconditional companion you need so much. This is wonderful for working through guilt and shame that you may feel at some point in your life.
Think of anything you’d do to make someone feel good and give yourself that gift. Whether it’s getting that coffee you’ve been wanting or lovingly fixing your hair. We know this can be very difficult, and it may even feel unnatural, but it’s important to try and discover for yourself how you feel after doing these things. Try to remind yourself that this is something you deserve, regardless of what life has thrown your way.
Challenge your thoughts
This skill requires some prior work: write down your negative thoughts on paper and then write why these thoughts aren’t true. This way, you can confront your mind’s tendency to highlight the negative over the positive.
Once you’ve completed this exercise, imagine that someone you love is having these thoughts. What would you say to that person? Write down your response, and you’ll have some positive affirmations that can help you in that moment and even in the future.
By challenging your thoughts, you give them a sense of logic, which can minimize the erratic impact of our emotions. Moreover, if we do this exercise regularly, we can change the way we think about ourselves, which makes it easier to face problems and apply the other coping skills.
Access your higher self
The name of this skill might sound a bit confusing, even abstract, but in practice, it’s not that complicated. The best way to access your higher self is by performing actions, big or small, that nourish your generosity and do good for another being.
For example, smiling at strangers, helping someone with their problems, praying, volunteering, or petting animals at the park. All these actions will positively impact both your life and the life of the other person or animal. The underlying idea, then, is to face life’s adversities with good deeds directed at others.
This skill reminds us that we all have value and purpose, regardless of our form, size, or species. It’s an approach that fosters kindness, but it carries the hidden risk of neglecting ourselves. If the exercise is done with prudence, regularly checking in on how we’re feeling, it can be the perfect coping method for healing.
As you can see, all these skills are based on the idea that there must be a balance when performing them, prudently experimenting with different methods. Just remember that, regardless of the intensity with which you practice them, their positive impact is guaranteed.
