Life is hard, and to deal with it, many people use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as those listed below. Luckily, there’s always a way to take control and turn it around. Read through these five harmful coping mechanisms and how to change them for ideas to transform your own life.
Overeating or Not Eating Enough → Meal Planning and Healthy Diet
If you find yourself turning to food–either too much of it or not enough–to cope with the stresses of everyday life, it’s time to adopt a “diet.” We don’t mean a miserable, restrictive eating routine that feels like punishment, but rather a healthy and balanced meal plan that incorporates your favorite foods.
Start by browsing recipes and making a grocery list. Incorporate three meals and three snacks, and make sure to include indulgences like brownies for an afternoon snack and that expensive cheese you love for dinner.
Procrastination → Realistic Planning
First of all, severe procrastination can be a sign of depression, so you may want to talk to your doctor if that’s you. But if not, buy yourself a planner and break large tasks into small and manageable bites. Stay on top of it and watch it transform your productivity and mood.
Drinking Too Much → Self-Care Routine
Drinking takes up a lot of time as well as is bad for your body. Instead, develop a self-care routine that involves drinking tea and delighting in your evening snack, taking a bath, reading a book, or anything else you might do to take care of yourself.
Media Binges → Join a Book Club
Too much Netflix or Instagram? Join a book club and read in the evenings and your spare time instead. The club will keep you accountable for following through, and you’ll feel accomplished and happy with yourself as well.
Overworking → Invest in a Hobby
It may seem counter-intuitive, but a lot of people use their jobs to numb out by overworking. If this is you, find a hobby instead. Set goals for yourself and use what should be spare time to work on them. You may see that your productivity during regular business hours goes up.