When life throws you a curveball, it's essential to have the right coping skills to help you manage stress. From deep breathing exercises to positive self-dialogue, there are many ways to stay calm and in control. Here are 6 types of coping skills that can help you manage stress and difficult emotions. 1.Calming Down
One of the most effective coping strategies is to take deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed.
Doing deep breathing exercises can lower your heart rate and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, making you feel more relaxed and able to think more clearly. Teaching students to use deep breathing as a coping skill is a powerful way to help them control their emotions.
2.Being Distracted
When faced with strong emotions, it can be helpful to distract yourself with activities that take your mind off the situation. This could include reading a book, playing a game, or going for a walk. Doing something that takes your mind off the problem can help you gain perspective and come up with a better solution.
3.Acting in the Opposite Way
Sometimes it can be beneficial to act in the opposite way of how you feel.
For example, if you're feeling angry, try doing something kind for someone else. This can help shift your focus away from the negative emotion and give you a sense of accomplishment.
4.Emotional Awareness
It's important to be aware of your emotions and how they affect your behavior. Taking time to reflect on your feelings can help you understand why you're feeling a certain way and how to better manage them.
5.Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judging them. It can help you become more aware of how your emotions affect your behavior and how to better manage them.
6.Crisis Plan
When all else fails, it's important to have a crisis plan in place.
This could include talking to a friend or family member, seeking professional help, or taking time for yourself. Having a plan in place can help you stay calm and in control when faced with difficult emotions. Fortunately, there are many ways that counselors and other educators can work to achieve positive self-dialogue with students. See this blog post for ideas.
