Identifying Coping Mechanisms: Strategies for You and Your Family
Coping mechanisms are the invaluable tools we use to navigate the challenges and stressors that life throws our way.
Whether it's a difficult day at work, a personal crisis, or the weight of the world's uncertainties, we all rely on various strategies to cope and maintain our emotional well-being.
As we stretch longer and longer into the quarantine. I’m sure you’ve noticed that you and each of your family members have good and bad days (or chunks of time). So how does each of you deal when you’re feeling anxious, bored, sad, angry, worried, etc?
In my family:
My husband likes to learn something new so he gravitates to historical documentaries. He also goes running and likes an evening microbrew.
My daughter creates music and sometimes overworks herself.
My son has to be physical - surfing, body boarding, and skateboarding - and he sleeps a lot.
I meditate, do yoga, and walk or run. I’ve also found myself needing to control small things.
Maybe it would be helpful to have a family talk about this so everyone knows what their best strategies are and everyone else knows to honor them.
Why it’s important to understand your and your family members’ coping mechanisms?
When you have a clear understanding of your coping strategies, it becomes easier to remember and use them when you're feeling overwhelmed. Consider jotting them down as a helpful reminder.
It's not always apparent that someone else's actions are a form of coping. For parents, certain behaviors in their children might seem like laziness or lack of productivity, when in reality, it could be a way of coping with stress or discomfort. It's crucial to recognize and acknowledge that these behaviors serve a purpose.
Avoid the temptation to believe that "your" way of coping is the only effective one and pressure others in your household to adopt the same methods. Keep in mind that what works for you may not work for everyone. Embrace mindfulness and understand that different strategies suit different individuals. For example, if you're keen on practicing yoga, but your family members are not interested, consider these three easy tips:
Respect Individual Choices: Recognize that each family member may have their preferred coping mechanisms. Encourage open conversations about their strategies, and respect their choices, even if they differ from your own.
Supportive Environment: Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where family members feel comfortable sharing their feelings and discussing their needs. This helps foster understanding and empathy within the family.
Explore Together: While it's essential to honor individual preferences, occasionally explore new coping techniques as a family. Engage in activities or hobbies that everyone can enjoy, providing an opportunity to bond and discover shared coping mechanisms
Wishing you exciting exploring!