A person writing with a pen.
Throughout life, we all experience many difficult and uncomfortable experiences and emotions. These days, it may feel like a tidal wave of stress, adversity, and uncertainty has hit us. There is no one way to cope; there are many. It is up to you to determine what you need and what you’ll do. The purpose of this writing exercise is to explore healthy coping strategies.
Sometimes, the source of stress is an aspect of your life that you have some control over and can respond to directly. For example, if you are stressed about completing a long-term assignment on time, you may choose to set aside some time each day to work on it, so that the work doesn’t pile up.
Step 1: Write about a time when you actively responded to stress in your life. How did you decide what to do?
Other times (oftentimes!), we struggle with stressors that we have little or no control over. In this case, it can help to adjust our mindset, to make the best out of the situation. This can help us reclaim some of the power back. For example, I struggle with chronic illness, which is undeniably difficult. However, I try to use it as an opportunity to learn how to be more empathetic and how to take good care of my body.
Step 2: Write about the following. What attitudes would you like to have when dealing with situations that you cannot control? Can you think of an example of someone who used an adverse experience to become the person they wanted to be?
In any case, it is important to give yourself compassion. It is healthy to allow yourself to experience difficult emotions, accepting that they are part of the human experience. Have compassion for yourself by honoring your emotions, while also comforting yourself in the moment as you let the emotions eventually pass.
Step 3: Write and answer the following. What are some ways you can show compassion to yourself when you are struggling? Who are some people you can reach out to for help?
Never forget: It is always okay to reach out for help, for support, or for insight.
For more ideas about self-compassion and self-love, check out: http://www.wordsalive.org/quaranteensprompts/selflove
This prompt was written by Grace Ferber, a Words Alive volunteer.