Better Balance: Finding Coping Skills Activities That Work

20% of the US population deals with mental health struggles.

If you're one of these people, it's important to develop coping skills when things get bad. No matter what you struggle with the most - anxiety, depression, PTSD - there are activities you can do to mitigate the negative feelings.

Today, we'll discuss finding balance in coping skills and activities for adults. You can develop more mental toughness by utilizing coping activities, so keep reading and let us suggest some of the most effective ones.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are extremely effective in situations where you feel like you're spiraling out of control. Slowly getting more oxygen to your brain is a proven way to calm yourself down and reduce stress or anxiety.

Deep breathing can calm you down in a matter of minutes and you can do it anywhere. Sit or lay down, then slowly breathe in through your nose, letting the air fill up your belly, then breathe back out through your nose.

Do it again, placing one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. The hand on your belly should always move more than the one on your chest. That's how you know you're breathing properly. 

Positive Affirmations

Negative self-talk is one of the most harmful things that we often aren't even aware we do to ourselves. Doing this can make a bad situation worse and cause you to develop poor self-esteem over time.

You can combat these habits by practicing positive affirmations. Simply put, these are phrases or mantras that have positive connotations and challenge negative self-talk. 

If you're in a situation where you're doubting yourself, repeat a positive phrase in your mind and see what happens. Many times, it'll help you gain the confidence to carry out whatever you're trying to do.

Mindful Exercises

Meditation is a tried-and-true method for boosting mental health. Countless mindful exercises fall under the purview of meditation, so find the one that works for you and practice as much as possible.

The simplest way to start with meditation is to find a comfortable position with eyes open or closed, then pay close attention to your breathing. It helps to count each breath, going up to 10 and starting over. Eventually, you'll be able to quickly focus without having to count.

Once you develop a good meditation habit, you'll be able to ground yourself during difficult times. You can also read up on Buddhist philosophy to help gain new and helpful perspectives on meditation, impermanence, and compassion.

Physical Exercise

It's proven that exercise can stimulate mood-boosting chemicals in your brain. Even simple things, like a daily run, can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Another benefit of exercise is better physical health. When your body feels good, your mind will feel better and you'll boost your self-esteem. 

Choose Coping Skills and Activities for Adults

These coping skills and activities for adults are all effective at dealing with a variety of mental health issues. Put the work in and you can start to develop more mental toughness that minimizes your symptoms.

That said, you may still need help managing your mental health. A Better Way Healthcare Services is a top mental health specialist in Georgia and Louisiana. Contact us today to discuss your mental health needs and how we can help.