We live in busy times. Times that are unpredictable and uncertain. The pandemic has only added to this uncertainty we live in and can cause a lot of fear and anxiety. One of the biggest questions I get is how we cope with these uncertain times. How does one deal with the anxiety that comes with the unknown. The most challenging part is that not all coping skills are created equally. Some coping strategies work wonders for some while not for others. That is why it is extremely important to develop a toolbox full of coping skills that work for you individually. Ones that you have tried and tested out for yourself and have found beneficial. With that said you do have to actually give them a fair try. Sometimes coping skills seem too simple to be work and we do not give them a fair chance.
One of the most powerful coping skills I have ever been given is coping statements. It is one of the most used tools from my tool box and one that I share often with others struggling with anxiety. We often forget the power of our minds and how much of an influence our thoughts have on how we feel. By being mindful and talking to ourselves with coping statements we can help influence our thinking process which will in turn help guide how we feel. Some of the coping statements I use daily are:
- How I feel right now is temporary, I will feel differently in an hour or tomorrow or next week.
- I can do hard things.
- I have done this before I can do it again.
- It is what it is.
- I can deal with whatever happens.
- Tomorrow is a new day.
- I don’t like the way I feel, but I know it will pass with time.
- Feelings and thoughts are not always facts.
- Take a deep breath.
- Slow down, its ok to take my time.
- I don’t have to do everything today.
- Worrying about the future will not help. I can focus on the things I can control today.
- I will worry when there is something to worry about.
You can create whatever statements work best for you. But the most important thing is to talk to yourself. Comfort yourself through reassuring statements that counteract the fear of the unknown. Worry will not change the things we might face in the future it only creates suffering. Talk kindly to yourself and work to be more present. Live in the here and now rather then in the what ifs. You will find you can deal with things far better in the moment then in your mind in the unforeseeable future.