Stress Management Series - Part 2 -Build Healthy Coping Methods

It can be helpful to identify and examine your coping strategies for managing stress. One way to do this is by journaling.

Journaling doesn't have to be a complicated or time-consuming activity. Over time, you will probably even come to enjoy it. In the beginning it can be helpful to keep it simple, and just record:

• What happened (argument with spouse, stressful incident at work, receiving bad news, etc.)
• How you felt when it happened (anxious, angry, sad, panicky, etc.)
• How you reacted (what did you say or do?)
• How you could have reacted better (talked it over, removed yourself from the situation to calm down, talked to a friend about it, etc.)

As you begin to see a pattern in the types of incidents that cause you a lot of stress and how you deal with them, you will be able to formulate a plan for dealing with these situations more effectively and in a healthier manner.

This can be a very effective way of developing better coping strategies and learning to manage stress.