People
often say “I can’t take this!” or “I am not coping.” In
general, even though we make these statements, we are indeed getting
through. Even though it is often extremely difficult and painful, we
do keep going.
Successful
coping strategies include:
Stay
moderately busy
Get
adequate rest—nap if needed
Exercise
daily, if possible.
Eat
Healthy foods.
Find
trusted listeners.
Avoid
harsh “self-talk.”
Avoid
others who are critical of your needs.
Rely
on your spirituality or belief system.
Journal—use
colored pens if possible.
Say
each day, “Today I will look for one moment of ______________
(i.e., comfort, peace, enjoyment, or hope). Pick one or more.
Record that moment in your journal.
Get
a massage, reflexology treatment, or energy treatment weekly.
In
her book, More Than Surviving, Kelly Osmant tells of getting a
weekly massage, laying on the table and sobbing each time. It was
the best thing she could do for herself.
Less
successful coping strategies:
Keeping
too busy.
Downplaying
or disregarding your feelings.
Distancing
yourself from others to the extreme.
Using
sources of distraction in excess to ward off feelings
Shopping
Reading
Watching
television
Constant
displacing of sad or anxious feelings.
Working
overtime, using business related activities to excuse yourself.
