Stress Management - Coping Responses
Some of the most useful stress management skills you can learn are healthy coping strategies. Many of these can be
done with little or no instruction. No one strategy is preferable; you need to find what works best for you. Using these techniques regularly
until they become habits that are part of your lifestyle is the key. Use this coping strategies evaluation form(What is a
PDF document?) to see how you respond to stress.
Common coping responses for stress
We all find ways of coping with stress. Coping mechanisms may or may not be effective or harmless.
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Positive Coping Responses
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Negative Coping Responses
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| Listening to music |
Critizing yourself (negative self-talk) |
| Playing with a pet |
Driving fast in a car |
| Laughing or crying |
Chewing your fingernails |
| Going out with a friend |
Aggressive or violent behavior |
| Taking a bath or shower |
Excessive eating |
| Writing, painting, creative art activities |
Excessive drinking as in coffee/caffiene |
| Praying or going to church |
Smoking or chewing tobacco |
| Exercising or getting outdoors |
Drinking alcohol |
| Discussing situations w/close ones |
Yelling at your spouse, kids, friends |
| Gardening or home repairs |
Taking a recreational drug for calming |
| Breathing, meditation, yoga, etc |
Avoiding social contact |
All coping responses have limitations. They may:
- Not be available on a regular basis or often enough to do the most good.
- Not produce the complete relaxation that is best for undoing the harmful effects of stress.
- Sometimes lead to new kinds of stress (such as a vacation that becomes hectic or a highly competitive sports activity).
- Stop being effective because of overuse.
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