Introduction
I have been gone for a week or two. Things have been going really well in my life, and I have been enjoying every second of it. However, I have gotten too caught up in the present and have neglected my coping skills that help me live my best life. I got to where I am because of the coping skills that I used, but like most humans when I got the things I wanted, my coping skills fell by the wayside. Now, I am slowly finding myself slipping backwards into anxiety in areas that I was becoming healthy in.
Allowing this to go on for too long would just be sad, because I have gained so much these past few weeks, and to regress so far as to lose it all would be disheartening. So, I need to take my own advice and use the very coping skills and thought processes I have written out for you, dear reader.
Because I am human, but I wrote those posts and provided that insight from a place where I was learning that lesson too. This is the thing about life. We are all born, and we all grow up to have some sort of dysfunction. Some people have better coping skills than others, but everybody will need a set of coping skills to be healthy.
You will often forget the coping skills that brought you the good life you are living, but you will get to keep that life if you remember them. It is time for me to remember my coping skills. Here’s how I’m going to do it.
What to Do About This
- Reflect on Past Coping Mechanisms: I am going to take some time to reflect on the coping skills I used before my life started to improve. What strategies did I find most effective? Which ones did I neglect? Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights into what worked for me in the past and why I stopped using certain coping mechanisms.
- Identify Current Stressors and Triggers: I am going to evaluate my current situation and identify any stressors or triggers that may be impacting my well-being. These could be new challenges or old issues resurfacing due to changes in my life. Understanding what is causing distress will help me tailor my coping strategies to address specific needs.
- Reevaluate and Adapt Coping Strategies: I will review the coping skills I previously neglected and consider how they can be adapted to my current circumstances. Are there any modifications or new approaches I can incorporate to make them more effective? Additionally, I will explore new coping techniques that align with my current needs and lifestyle.
- Creates a Coping Plan: I will develop a structured coping plan that outlines how I will implement these strategies in my daily life. I will identify specific actions I can take when faced with stress or triggers, such as practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, seeking support from friends or professionals, or engaging in creative outlets. Having a plan in place will make it easier to follow through during challenging times.
- Practicing Consistently and Monitoring Progress: Consistency is key to reestablishing coping skills as habits. I will set aside time each day to practice my chosen coping strategies, even when I am not experiencing significant stress. I will monitor my progress and be patient with myself as I reintegrate these skills into my routine. I will celebrate small victories and be willing to adjust my approach as needed based on what works best for me.
Conclusion
By following these steps, I will be able to effectively reintegrate my coping skills back into my life, allowing me to live it and appreciate it to its fullest potential. After all, life is a beautiful thing. Why waste the beautiful things you have gained by regressing into old patterns?