♥ Monday Mood Modifier ♥

Today was definitely a MELTDOWN/MANIC Monday for the people around me. I spent my day telling people to breathe and make use of those infamous coping skills. I have come to understand that the general public views the term "coping skills" as just one of those psychobabble buzz words. I am here to tell you different! Although I do not believe that coping skills are a cure-all or a solution for every psychological issue, they certainly can help people get through tough times. Here are a list of my top ten coping skills to help you through the Monday Madness:

1. DEEP BREATHING...are you noticing a theme??? See here for more deep breathing info...
http://traveltalkteach.blogspot.com/2011/01/monday-mood-modifier-on-tuesdayoops.html

2. EXERCISE...go for a simple walk, hike, run or if you don't have the energy or time then do a few jumping jacks or sit-ups. It's just important to get the juices flowing and distract yourself from your current upset.

3. CALL A FRIEND...take a few moments and call a supportive friend that will provide an ear to listen or some calming words to help ease your level of distress.

4. HUMOR...watch the comedy channel, look for funny videos on You Tube, look at old pictures of a funny event or call a comedic friend that always makes you laugh.

5. MUSIC...go grab your Ipod, sit in your car and turn on your favorite radio station or find a good street musician if you live in a big city. Listening to music can provide a huge sense of relief from your negative thoughts. Take a look at these blog entries for more ways that music can provide relief...
http://traveltalkteach.blogspot.com/2011/01/alarm-clock-goes-off-and-you-roll-over.html
http://traveltalkteach.blogspot.com/2011/01/everytime-i-hear-that-song-i-go-back.html
http://traveltalkteach.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-is-why-i-love-music-therapy.html

6. RELAXATION TECHNIQUES....practice using any skills that help you relax. Yoga, meditation, prayer, deep breathing, taking a bubble bath, petting/playing with a dog/cat and progressive muscle relaxation are among my favorites!

7. SAFE PLACE...imagine yourself in a safe and calm place (it can be real or imaginary). What are your surroundings comprised of? What colors do you see? What sounds do you hear? What sensations do you feel? What smells do you smell? Do you see any people or animals with you in this safe place? Imagine that there is a giant bubble that is protecting you from the outside world and let you imagination go!

8. DRAW, COLOR, or MAKE CRAFTS...you don't have to be artistic or creative to use this skill. Just let loose and act like a kindergartner again. Have fun and place no judgement on what you create!

9. JOURNAL...write down whatever is on your mind and try to identify the trigger to your stress or anxiety. You can type this on the computer or use the good ole classic journal. This is a good way to purge your mind of all the chaos. Remember that you don't have to read your journal in the future so don't fret what you are writing, just let your mind go!

10. SOCIALIZE...get out of your house and socialize. If you can't muster up the courage to call a friend or talk to a neighbor then simply go to a public place where you will be forced to interact with someone (ex. grocery store, coffee shop, or a dog park).

Hope this list provides you with some skills to get started. Remember that there are 100's of coping skills and the important part is to find which ones work for you. Be careful of the negative coping skills (such as drinking, smoking, gambling, isolation, etc.) These may provide you with a temporary relief from the pain but in the end they will suck you into that deep dark hole of depression and anxiety :(. Please reach out and get help if you find yourself slipping into this hole!

Happy Monday!!!