Coping Thoughts
For StressAnother way of handling stress is to develop a group of thoughts that can help you cope with a stressful situation. We all have these thoughts- that is, we talk to ourselves before, during and after stressful situations. So why not develop coping thoughts to help yourself prepare for stress, cope with feeling overwhelmed, and then evaluate you efforts?
Thoughts about preparation should focus on planning and on combating negative thoughts.
Thoughts about confronting the situation should focus on your ability to handle the
situation, using social skills such as listening, and using relaxation techniques.
Thoughts about coping with the feeling of being overwhelmed should emphasize that this does not always occur and should encourage us to remain in the situation.
Your thoughts after the stressful situation can focus on your efforts, your success in
coping, and how to cope better next time.
