There are many things that trouble people, but it is the way that they cope with it that can make or break them. Unfortunately, it seems that when faced with difficulties, many people rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms to try to make themselves feel better, but then become aggravated when there is still a problem. Learning how to cope properly can go a long way for your everyday health, so here are a few tips on how to cope with things more healthily.
1. If you feel sad:
don't isolate yourself. You may feel like turning into a ghost, but this is probably the time you need someone else the most. Hang out with some friends or family or pets and just get lost in the moment. Try to stay away from mind altering substances in this state of mind, as they will make you feel better temporarily, but only add to the sadness in the end. Don't be afraid to speak out. Talk to somebody who you feel may understand you and who can give you good advice.
2. If you feel angry:
don't take your anger out on others that have nothing to do with this anger. Projecting your anger will not fix anything; in fact, it will create more problems. Instead of displacing your anger and thus engaging in unhealthy behaviors, try taking out your feelings through hard work and exercise. Even punch a pillow or wall if you must, but never take it out on somebody innocent.
3. If you feel heartbroken,
don't try to get revenge; it will only hurt you more in the end. Instead, give yourself time to properly feel and heal. Your relationship wasn't made in one day, so it will take longer than a day to get over what happened, but moving on healthily will leave you stronger and more open to starting new relationships when you are truly ready. You will get over it, and you don't want to have any regrets.
4. If you feel lost or stuck,
don't stay in your head too long. The voices in there can become too much sometimes, and you may feel like you are stuck, but it is all in your head, and you are not. It would be best to go outside and spend time with others or animals. If you don't feel up to spending time with people, or even pets, focus you attention elsewhere. Watch something that you love, indulge in coloring or painting, take a bath, read, or maybe pick up one of those new fidget spinners everyone keeps talking about. Just get out of that sea of thoughts clouding you in order to find clarity.
5. If you feel frustrated,
don't be afraid to let loose your emotions and feel them; that is what they are there for. Know that it is okay to cry. If you feel like this, try to get out of the slump by doing things you like or that are comforting. For example, if I'm stressed, I like to get out my softest blanket, make myself into a blanket burrito, and lay in bed watching comedies. Nothing can hurt me there. If you feel stressed, definitely don't try to smoke some cigarettes or drink the pain away, because they will only distract you temporarily and unhealthily. You will get lost in this cycle, so it is better to learn what healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms are, and how we can learn to cope with things more healthily in the long run.
