A guide to coping with mental health stressors:

Throughout our lives, we are faced with various stressors that can make it hard to keep our mental health intact. University/high school workloads, finances, strained relationships, and mental health disorders can all take its toll on our wellbeing. Fortunately, there are many ways that people cope with these struggles in daily life, and this article will outline some common and helpful coping strategies. 

Strategy #1: Physical Activity. 

Doing something active can help significantly with your mood and mental health overall. Physically moving helps your body release endorphins, which gives you that “happy” feeling. Activities such as organized sports are also a great way to develop relationships with other people and build skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and resilience. These skills are very beneficial for one’s mental health. 

Strategy #2: The arts

Artistic pursuits such as music, visual arts, and dance provide a method of expressing your feelings. If you are upset, worried, or emotional one day, you can pour it into your art form. Furthermore, arts can be very calming for some people and help bring peace to their mind. They also give plenty of performance and volunteer opportunities, which can help to boost one’s confidence and allow him/her to make a difference for others. 

Strategy #3: Volunteering 

Volunteering is another helpful coping strategy that some people employ to not only help cope with their own mental health, but to make a difference along the way. For example, I used to play piano for people living in long-term care homes. It really helped my mental health in knowing that I was using my talents to brighten up their days near the end of their lives. Others have had similar experiences. If you plan to use this strategy, it is important to pick a volunteer pursuit that suits you. Hospitals, schools, charities, homes, coaching, supporting people who are mentally struggling, the options to volunteer are endless and any decision is a right decision if it is one that you are comfortable with. 

Strategy #4 Seeking support from others

It is absolutely and 100% okay to reach out to others when you are struggling. A friend, a spouse, a therapist/professional, mental health hotline are all great options when you really need someone to talk to. Do not be afraid to seek support; we all need help at times and we are all worthy of love and support from other people. 

Strategy #5: Empowering yourself: 

We as a society tend to be very critical of ourselves as a whole, always putting ourselves down and focusing on our flaws. However, it is 100% okay to be your own best friend and speak kindly and encouragingly to yourself. For example, reminding yourself of everything that is great about you, all your past accomplishments, all the ways you are a good friend to others, or any other method of talking yourself up. Due to social distancing, hugs are not accessible anymore, so you can also give yourself a tight hug by wrapping your arms around your waist to show your love for yourself. Allowing yourself to make mistakes and learn from them, allowing yourself to take breaks, and allowing yourself to do what you love are great examples of self-empowerment.