Coping Tools to Calm Your Anxious Thoughts

As patients, we often face difficult situations and challenges that can impact our mental and emotional wellbeing. While it’s important to seek professional help when needed, there are also various behavioral coping strategies and techniques that we can do on our own to help us manage stress and improve our overall wellbeing.

One effective strategy is mindfulness, which involves focusing on the present moment and allowing ourselves to fully experience our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help us to become more aware of our emotions and reactions, and can also promote relaxation and reduce stress. To practice mindfulness, try focusing on your breath or a specific object, and pay attention to your thoughts and sensations without trying to change them.

Another effective technique is relaxation training, which involves using various techniques to calm the mind and body. This can include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. Relaxation training can help us to reduce anxiety and stress, and can also improve our overall mental and emotional wellbeing.

Another useful strategy is cognitive restructuring, which involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns that can contribute to stress and anxiety. This can involve challenging unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with more realistic and positive ones. For example, instead of thinking “I can’t handle this situation,” we can reframe the thought to “I may not know how to handle this situation right now, but I will find a way.”

Additionally, physical activity can also be a helpful coping strategy. Exercise can help to reduce stress and improve mood, and can also provide a healthy outlet for emotions. Try incorporating activities that you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or dancing, into your daily routine.

Overall, there are many behavioral coping strategies and techniques that we can use on our own to help us manage stress and improve our wellbeing. By practicing mindfulness, relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and physical activity, we can take control of our mental and emotional health and thrive in challenging situations.