Loving Yourself

Chapter Three part 2- Unhealthy /Healthy Coping Mechanism

On the last chapter we talk about unhealthy coping mechanism now we're going to talk about healthy coping mechanism.

Healthy coping mechanism are hard to learn but with time and a lot of effort you can succeed them.

Healthy coping mechanism are:

Meditating

Stretching

Engaging in progressive muscle relaxation

Listening to music

Aerobic exercise

Watching television

Going to the movies

Reading

Working on puzzles or playing games

Going for a leisurely walk

Going to a health club

Relaxing in a steam room or sauna

Spending time alone

Going fishing or hunting

Participating in some form of recreational activity you enjoy

Doing some yard work

Socializing with friends

Sitting outside and relaxing

Engaging in a hobby you enjoy

self-care is a valuable method of healthy coping mechanism. There are many ways to practice self-care, but some of the most popular types of self-care activities include:

Sensory self-care

o Getting a breath of fresh air
o Snuggling under a cozy blanket
o Listening to running water
o Sitting outdoors by a fire pit
o Taking a hot shower or a warm bath
o Getting a massage
o Cuddling with a pet
o Paying attention to your breathing (practicing mindfulness/meditation)
o Burning a scented candle
o Walking through tall grass in bare feet
o Staring up at the sky
o Lying down where the afternoon sun streams in through a window
o Listening to music

Pleasure

o Taking yourself out to eat
o Being a tourist in your own city
o Gardening
o Watching a movie
o Making art, or doing a craft project
o Journaling
o Walking your dogs (or going to a shelter to walk dogs without a family)
o Going for a photo walk (taking photos on your walk)

Mental / Mastery

o Cleaning out a junk drawer or a closet
o Taking action (one small step) on something you've been avoiding
o Trying a new activity
o Driving to a new place
o Making a list
o Immersing yourself in a crossword puzzle
o Doing a word search
o Reading something on a topic you normally wouldn't

Spiritual

o Attending church
o Reading poetry or inspiring quotes
o Lighting a candle
o Meditating
o Writing in a journal
o Spending time in nature
o Praying
o Listing five things you're grateful for

Emotional

o Accepting your feelings / being okay with your feelings
o Writing your feelings down
o Crying when you need to
o Laughing when you can (laughter yoga may help!)
o Practicing self-compassion

physical

o Trying yoga
o Going for a walk or a run
o Dancing
o Stretching
o Going for a bike ride
o Ensuring you get enough sleep
o Taking a nap

Social

o Going on a lunch date with a good friend
o Calling a friend on the phone
o Participating in a book club
o Joining a support group

Finally, this list can also help you in a positive ways is:

Asking a trusted friend or family member for help and support, or sharing your thoughts with someone you trust.

Writing down or journaling how you feel.

Prioritizing self-care (like exercising, meditating, and listening to music).

Taking time out from situations that make you feel stressed or angry.

Using positive self-talk to overcome negative thought patterns.

Reducing your load, whether that load is physical, mental, or both.

Considering the big picture - will the situation you're dealing with really matter in the long run?

Learning to forgive, which will help you move on from negative feelings like resentment, hurt, and anger.

Honing your communication skills to halt conflict from escalating.

Building your optimism to focus on the positive.

Practicing gratitude, even if it's only five minutes a day to identify three good things from your day.

***************
End of chapter three part two.

I'm back it's been a long time since I wrote anything.

With writers block, everything going on in this world and mental illness it's been hard doing things I love but can't let these things control my happiness. So I finally got my butt up and wrote this chapter and I'm feeling accomplished.

I hope this chapter can help you guys find healthy coping mechanism that works for you.

I'm going to be honest with you guys I had to research what are healthy coping mechanism because I only know three.

Researching this was really informative.

How's everyone doing?

2020 has been something else huh.

Check in: How are you? How was your day/night?

Remember you matter❤

~ Melanin_Queen💋