Coping strategies refer to methods used to manage and reduce stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions. The 5 main coping strategies are problem-focused, emotion-focused, cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, and social support.
Problem-focused coping entails tackling the issue at hand head-on. It includes goal-setting, problem-solving, and decision-making. Emotion-focused coping involves managing the emotions associated with the challenging situation. It includes activities such as yoga, mindfulness, and journaling. Cognitive restructuring involves changing the way you think about the situation and adjusting your outlook. Relaxation techniques are activities that help reduce the physical and mental tension associated with stress, including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. Lastly, social support involves reaching out to friends, family, and others for support. This could involve talking about the situation or even just spending time with loved ones.