Mental Health Center

We all find ways of coping with stress. Coping mechanisms may or may not be effective or harmless.

Positive coping responses

• Listening to music
• Playing with a pet
• Laughing or crying
• Going out with a friend (shopping, movie, dining)
• Taking a bath or shower
• Writing, painting, or other creative activity
• Praying or going to church
• Exercising or getting outdoors to enjoy nature
• Discussing situations with a spouse or close friend
• Gardening or making home repairs
• Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation

Negative coping responses

• Criticizing yourself (negative self-talk)
• Driving fast in a car
• Chewing your fingernails
• Becoming aggressive or violent (hitting someone, throwing or kicking something)
• Eating too much or too little or drinking a lot of coffee
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Yelling at your spouse, children, or friends
• Taking a recreational drug to calm yourself
• 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.