We all find ways of coping with stress. Some coping strategies are not as helpful as others. For example, negative coping responses often make your stress worse, because they wear you down over time or are temporary distractions. On the other hand, positive coping responses keep you in the present moment and give you chances to actively work toward solving your problems. Not all positive coping responses will work for every person. Try several until you find one that works for you.
Positive coping responses
Listening to music
Playing with a pet
Laughing or crying
Going out with a friend (shopping, movie, dining)
Taking a bath or shower
Writing, painting, or doing other creative activities
Praying or going to church
Exercising or getting outdoors to enjoy nature
Discussing situations with a spouse or close friend
Gardening or making home repairs
Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation
Making and following through with an action plan to solve your problems.
Seeking counselling if you continue to struggle with stress.
Negative coping responses
Criticizing yourself (negative self-talk)
Driving fast in a car
Chewing your fingernails
Becoming aggressive or violent (hitting someone, throwing or kicking something)
Eating too much or too little or drinking a lot of coffee
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Drinking alcohol
Yelling at your spouse, children, or friends
Taking a recreational drug, or misusing prescription medicine
Avoiding friends and family
All coping responses have limitations. They may:
Not be available on a regular basis or often enough to do the most good.
Not produce the complete relaxation that is best for undoing the harmful effects of stress.
Sometimes lead to new kinds of stress (such as a holiday that becomes hectic or a highly competitive sports activity).
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Steven Locke MD - Psychiatry Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Steven Locke MD - Psychiatry & Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health