How I cope with difficult situations

 

   In the book, “The Other Wes Moore” We and his friends use basketball as a getaway. Everyone has something that they use as an escape. There always comes a time in someone’s life when you’re going through a lot and need a break. I personally have a few things that I do for a little escape from reality. One of my best ways to cope with difficult situations is to record myself venting. I sit at my desk in my room alone and record myself talking on my iPad. I keep it to myself because I don’t want anyone else to see because I typically like to keep my issues to myself. When I talk on video, it feels like relief of stress or whatever I’m going through at the time.

 I recently started going to the gym which I like to use now as a getaway. I feel like at the gym it clears my mind and the harder I work the less I think about all the problems going on. The issues in my head go away and I feel like the stress is leaving my body as I work out. Working out is known to release endorphins from your body anyways which makes you feel great after a workout.

    Music is one of my top coping mechanisms. When I listen to music, it brings me feelings of joy and peace. Depending on the type of music I’m listening to, I tend to dance around in my room listening to my favorite songs. I made so many playlists and when I feel overwhelmed or down, I pick the playlist that always makes me happy or calms my nerves. I find listening to music at night or while going on a walk is more peaceful. It’s like getting a break from being in your head all the time, you can just relax and enjoy the beats and sounds of the song. I always recommend listening to music to friends and family because sometimes all it takes is just five minutes of dancing around your room to help calm you.

  Since I’m into gaming I do love playing “The Sims”. I mainly play “The Sims 4” now but I play this game a lot. For those who might not know what this is, its like a life simulation game where I can make and control the characters and make up the towns. When I feel sad or anything I’ll turn on my laptop and play my game. My mindset when playing this is like “Since my life isn’t going too great, I can make my sim’s life better than how mine is going.” Creating sims and building houses and different buildings relieves my anxiety also. Overall, it’s just a really fun game and something to do to occupy your mind when things get tough.

  Life does get to be a bit much for us, so it’s always good to have something to cope with it. Everyone needs something that they like to do to cope with how they’re feeling even if its just something small like meditating, stretching, or anything. Doing something you love is a form of self- care. A healthy mind makes a healthy body, you just need to make sure you make time for you, even if its just five minutes of your day.