We have all experienced stress and its varying impacts, whether physical, emotional or social. Coping is what we do to deal with an event, situation or problem that may make us stressed, anxious, sad or angry. Coping is both instinctual and learned, and there is a wide spectrum of activities and methods to try.
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It is beneficial to be aware of the difference between a coping mechanism and a coping strategy. In our podcast, Jordyn stated that a coping mechanism is what you do to achieve emotional equilibrium, while a coping strategy is how you incorporate it into your life and how you utilize it. There are also coping skills, which are the ways you accomplish the mechanism. For example, if your coping mechanism is journaling, the skill would be the kind of journaling, and the strategy would be how often you write or what you write about.
There are different styles of coping strategies as well (GoodTherapy). It can be problem-focused, which is when the strategy is a method that tries to solve the distress-causing issue, or it can be emotion-focused, which is when the strategy is a method that is used to attempt to ease the stress (GoodTherapy). Both have benefits of their own, but it is up to the individual to choose which style works best for them. In our podcast, Sarah, a rising college freshman we interviewed, states that you should navigate what makes sense based on your human experience.
For some people, finding effective coping mechanisms may be hard. An important thing to keep in mind when trying new coping mechanisms is this question: Is this healthy coping? Falling into unhealthy habits to cope can be dangerous to your mind and body. Some examples of unhealthy coping mechanisms would be overeating, excessive internet or video game use, binge drinking, experimenting with drugs, gambling, participating in risky activities and self-harm (GoodTherapy).
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There are coping mechanisms for everyone. It’s important to discover what is best for you. Some people may want to talk to a professional, friend or family member, while some may find security in processing their emotions alone. Many people find that journaling is an effective method of coping. There is no single way to journal either — you can write however you want! A common form is stream-of-consciousness journaling, which is when you pick up a pen and write whatever comes to mind without stopping to check for grammar, punctuation and formatting (Life Coach Directory). Additionally, some like to keep a comfort item close at hand. It can be an old stuffed animal, a blanket, a piece of jewelry, a photo, a certain item of clothing — anything that will bring you a sense of security. You can always also take part in a hobby of yours. It may distract you from any negative feelings and will allow you to have positive thoughts through an activity that you enjoy. If you don’t have a hobby, there are lots of things to try! You can read, paint, draw, dance, listen to music, watch movies or TV shows, crochet, put together puzzles, cook, participate in your choice of sport and so much more!
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Keep in mind that there is more that can be added to these examples. Whatever makes you comfortable, brings you happiness and is healthy is what’s best for you. You may have a different mechanism or strategy than others, but that’s okay! It can help to enforce boundaries with yourself and those around you as well. The most important thing is that you’re helping yourself and doing what you need to do to sustain a positive outlook and cope with any stress or anxiety.
Stress is an inevitable facet of life that we are capable of handling in a healthy way. Having mechanisms to fall back on will make you more comfortable and in control when you experience stress on a small scale all the way to distressing events or emotions. Trust in yourself that you can find what works best for you, and build from there.