Healthy coping mechanisms
- Elisa Reamer
- Jun 21, 2020
- 2 min read
I have had a lot of struggles in my life that I have had to overcome in one way or another. I am not some queen of coping in healthy ways, in fact, I cry A LOT (which is valid because holding anything in becomes a later issue). Most of my problems are dealt with tears, but at some point, they must stop. So, here is what I do to distract myself when life gets tough and try to overcome whatever is going on.
1) Working out
Exercising and doing some sort of physical activity is such an easy way to distract yourself from your thoughts. Go for a run, walk, or just do a 30-minute workout at home. Groove with the music and focus on what is happening around you, rather than what is happening inside you.
2) Coloring
Coloring while listening to *happy* music, or watching your favorite show is a great way to wind down and calm any anxieties you may be having. Plus, you’ll be thinking too much about what color to do in that specific spot to think about anything else.
3) Watch a movie
When quarantine started, my family watched a lot of new movies that we have never seen before. It was awesome to bond with the family and think about the plot of the movie and not the thoughts in my head.
4) Listen to upbeat music
Please do not turn to sad music when you are already sad enough. That is the worst thing you can do for yourself. You need to connect to a Bluetooth speaker and blast your favorite band/singer on shuffle and rock out as if you are at their concert. Dance in your room, headbang, go crazy.
5) Read/write
Poetry becomes my best friend in hard times. Writing poetry is great because it’s a way to get out your feelings in a way you can’t out loud. Journaling is also great. Write about your day, your dog, or the goals you may have to push you forward.
Reading is a great way to jump into someone’s world and connect with new characters. I (surprise) really dived into reading the many poetry books I own because a lot of them are uplifting and important messages that I either A-relate to or B-something I really need to hear.
6) Surround yourself with good people
Now, if you are anything like me, this one may take a while to get to. When I am at my lowest points, being with people is the last thing I want to do. At some point, you must allow yourself to feel the love of your friends and family. Though it took me four months to get to this point, I go out almost every day with friends and genuinely love getting out of my house.
Thanks for reading,
Elisa Reamer
“Be patient with yourself. Hurt takes time to process, And true healing begins When we accept That fact.” -Clear Blue Skies, RH Fowler
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