Got a coping strategy that you find good? Share it here :)

[Former-Member]

Hi guys

i see many people asking for advice on coping strategies myself including so i thought i would create a thread for everyone to share their favourite coping strategy or a few if you like 🙂

[Former-Member]

Great idea @Former-Member!

Ummm my best coping strategies are:

• Giving my cat a really big cuddle (he will whinge but I know deep down he loves me)
• Having a cup of tea (I don't drink tea that much, so when I do it feels a bit fancy) and a biccie and re-reading my favourite book from when I was a kid (think like, famous five, or the magic faraway tree! dont judge!)
• Hot shower and/or bath
• Writing out my frustrations with life in a journal

Hope they are ok to get the ball rolling! Do you have any in particular that you use?

[Queenie]

Hi @Former-Member and great thread btw!

My favourite coping strategies are:

*  Using mindfulness techniques to eat something I really like (usually chocolate lol)

*  Listening to music or watching funny videos on you tube.

*  Like @Former-Member has suggested, re-reading a book I enjoy, but not necessarily from my childhood.

I'm looking forward to reading some great ideas in here!

[Former-Member]

@utopia @Pepsimax @Shaz51 @Faith-and-Hope @Former-Member heres the coping thread

[Shaz51]

Hello @Former-Member, @Queenie, @Former-Member 

having a cup of Green Tea

and having a soak in epsom salts

[Former-Member]

Pinterest. Pinterest everything! Make a board of quotes to match your mood or pictures you like or websites that help. Make a secret (or not) venting board.

Wrap yourself in your favourite blanket.

Watch youtube videos of kittens and cats being silly. That's a winner 😄

Learn a new craft. Crochet is great.

[Former-Member]

Can i keep going?! This is fun 🙂

Walk it off (or swim or run or ride or jump)

Organise something. It's amazing how productive anxiety can be if it's put into/towards something

Call a friend that you haven't spoken to for a while

Write. Anything at all. If you can't think of anything just pick up a pen and paper and start writing anyway. No editing, no worrying about grammar or spelling. (It can be surprising what comes out when you're not really thinking about it)

[Former-Member]

Hahaha @Former-Member yes keep going, keep going! Loving your ideas.

I feel like I have to add a little warning to your idea about learning a new craft though 😉 I decided about a year ago I should start learning how to knit as a way to be mindful/decompress after work etc. as you do... Turns out knitting IS VERY HARD and it got me so worked up (because I was hopeless at it) that it was more of a hinderance than anything else hahaha.

Having said that, I'm sure others will be much more skilled in that department than me, so please do have a go! (but don't beat yourself up for giving up if necessary) 

[Former-Member]

Haha @Former-Member - sorry i should have put a warning in front of all of these to "be kind to yourself while doing them"! I am a person with a very cool 3/4 finished crochet project way beyond my self taught skill level, that is seriously annoying me right now because i have no ability to concentrate on what I'm doing. It's packed away until I can pull it out without wanting to chop it up. So yes, be gentle 🙂

[Determined]

I enjoy playing music (organ). 

Not that I am any good, find it soothing playing for myself though.