In light of the new year, I want to help you make it the best one yet! I compiled a list of 3 healthy coping strategies to help you navigate through another new year below.
1. Channel Your Emotions
Let’s face it bad days are inevitable! We can’t always control what happens around us or the actions of others. Learning coping strategies such as channeling our emotions is a healthy way to deal with our feelings. Furthermore, it’s a great way to lead by example and teach our children to express themselves in a healthy way.
Feeling Stressed or Angry?
- Hit the Gym!
Exercising is another great addition to this coping strategy. Studies have shown that when we exercise, our bodies release hormones and neurotransmitters that trigger positive emotions. Obviously, exercise also helps us be both mentally and physically healthy.
Dealing with sadness or anxiety?
- Find Your Happy Place
Your happy place can be at home after a long day at work. It can also be at you’re favorite restaurant or venue.
Notably, your happy place can even be a place you create! Thinking of a happy place is a great coping strategy to redirect your thoughts. Try this! Close your eyes and picture a place that brings you happiness. Picture yourself by the ocean watching the sunset and feeling the sand beneath your feet. Imagine the ocean waves washing all your troubles away.
::DISCLAIMER:: This post in no way addresses those with chemical imbalances or depression. Depression is real, and if you find yourself feeling symptoms of depression please seek help. If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of mental health crisis, the Crisis Counseling Program (CPC) is a valuable community resource. You can contact this program at (915) 779-1800.
- Practice Grounding Skills
One thing I learned about coping with anxiety is that when someone feels anxious, they tend to be worried about something that happened in the past or something that might or might not happen in the future. In light of that, we can try to be mindful of what’s happening right now. Be present in the moment and take it one day at a time.
2. Redirect Your Thoughts
Our thoughts can impact our emotions. Redirecting our thoughts is a healthy way to cope with adversity. In addition, it’s a great way to help better our interpersonal relationships.
- Agree to Disagree
In recent times, as we learned to practice social distancing and deal with the never-ending decisions regarding masks (among other things). We have all developed so many different opinions and beliefs. Sometimes simply agreeing to disagree with others will help you keep the peace.
- Change the Subject
It can be overwhelming to try to navigate the narrative of what we should and shouldn’t do. Sometimes it’s best to just change the subject. Turn off the news for a while and watch a funny TV show instead.
- Let it Go
We have thousands of thoughts per day. Filtering our thoughts can feel tiring at first, but it can also be very beneficial.
Let those negative thoughts go!
If you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, counteract them and think of positive ones!
3. Practice Positive Affirmations
Remember to always choose your words wisely. Keeping a positive energy will attract positive outcomes.
Your words are powerful!
So why not try incorporating some positive affirmations into your daily routine?
Here is a list of examples below:
- I am doing my best and that is enough.
- I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
- I am worthy of great things.
- I am free to create the life I deserve.
- I am grateful for who I am becoming.
- I am blessed to be a blessing.
- Happiness and success flow freely to me.
Here are a few related articles from our sister sites that might be helpful.
To The Mom Coping with Anxiety
Being a Positive Mom: Five Ways to Find the Good
