10 coping strategies for your mental wellbeing...

One thing I consistently say is I am not 'fixed.' Even though I teach in this field, from time to time, I find myself having a really tough time mentally. This is because I am human and not a fucking robot. Contrary to what the majority of self-help literature would have you believe... not every day is unicorns and rainbows.

Personally, I can be up and down faster than a cheap yo-yo. Some days I am ready to take on the world, other days, I want to crawl under my bed sheets. Darkness genuinely feels like a safe haven in these times.

For me, when I feel like this, I have to put a real emphasis on my personal coping strategies. It also reminds me of the importance of the work that we do.

So for me, its a little step at a time. With todays post, I thought I will share with you some of my personal coping strategies, in the hope they might just be able to support you too.

1. Journaling

I find myself immediately going back to journaling, its my go to. But rather than a few directed prompts to focus on positive psychology (its needed too), I find myself unloading the depths of my brain trying to get everything out on paper (the good, the bad, the ugly and the outright whacky). This is better than having them spinning around in my head on repeat like a broken record. If you have not tried journaling, I recommend giving it a try.

2. Writing/reading

Writing is a form of therapy for me. This is why I will always write. I once heard that you should "write the books you need to hear" and ironically, this post is all about that. All my writing is based on this. I know that self-help books are not always going to be enough, as they are not a miracle cure. However, they do sometimes they provide little boost that we all need from time to time. If your struggling, try sitting down with a book or even listening to an inspiring podcast and see if it can provide you with any relief.

3. Distraction

Although we often hear that we should sit with our thoughts and feelings and I genuinely believe we need to do this at times (this is why I journal), sometimes distraction is actually a form of coping. What can you do that is going to take your mind off things for a little while? There is nothing wrong with distraction from time to time. Just make sure that its not used consistently to push things away. This is when we can get involved with unhealthy distractions.

For my personal distraction, I love a good bubble bath. No shame. Bosh.

4. Exercise

Do not worry! You don't need to become a cross-fitter. I am fortunate enough that I love exercise. Even though on the days you might be struggling it can feel like the hardest thing in the world to do. I still try battle to incorporate exercise. I know personally I have never left a workout thinking "oh I wish I didn't do that", I always feel better. Try going for a short walk or just moving your body in some way shape or form.

5. Talk to people

Ironically, one of the first things I do when I am struggling is crawl under a rock (initially). This seems to be a common response from people I work with.

Its sometimes a way of just processing things on your own (and this can be beneficial too at times) but also make sure that you communicate your struggles with those closest to you. Its absolutely vital. Your not a burden. People want to support you.

6. One task at a time

In a world filled that feels like we have so much to do and so little time. In a world filled with overwhelm (a common struggle for a lot of people), go back to basics.

Tick one task off at a time. You can only manage so much.

7. Take some time for yourself

You are allowed to.

8. Do something fun

Its fun.

9. Write down some positive things

This is NOT about simply 'thinking positively' (I fucking hate it when people say this, as if this is going to be the answer to our challenges).

But, when our brain is getting into the cycle of negative rumination it can be really scary and a downhill spiral. It can happen very quickly. Stop for a second. Write down something to be grateful for. Write down some of the good things that have happened recently. Try this very simple exercise called the 3 x 3 x 3. It can be a quick and easy method to shift your thought process.

10. Create a personal safety plan

The above all incorporates some element of this concept. Its about recognising and understanding your triggers and then figuring out ways to help you manage. Spend some time to note down your warning signs. Jot down the people you can reach out to when struggling. Note down your coping strategies (they look different for all of us). You can note down some self-care resources.

We incorporated this into our journal for Middlesbrough council and it also came with journal prompts.

Reasons to keep going...

Advice I would give to a friend going through a tough time...

Your personal safety plan can simply serve as gentle reminder with some great tools to support you.

Remember, there is no one size fits all. What works for me might not work for you. Not every day is unicorns and rainbows. "Positive vibez only" is a load of rubbish. Your human. We all struggle from time to time.

I hope this helps.