Coping Archives

Animals Make Us Better: Exploring the Power of Pets

Jennifer TzoumasOctober 21, 2021October 21, 2021Leave a comment

There have been multiple studies to show the mental and physical health benefits of pets. It has even been found that simply being around a dog or petting it can boost your mood and make you feel better. That’s one reason why pet therapy has become so popular across the country.

If you have a pet at home, you probably have no problem singing their praises. Pet owners often treat their furry friends like family, and see the wonderful benefits they can provide. But, it’s more than just that good, loving feeling you get after arriving home after a long day at work. It’s more than those sloppy kisses that make you laugh or the warm cuddles in the rocking chair.

Write for Relief: Journal Prompts to Help You Cope With Anxiety

Jennifer TzoumasSeptember 23, 2021September 8, 2021Leave a comment

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Writing in a journal is a great way to manage your anxiety. There are several positive aspects to journaling that can make coping with your fears easier. First, you can work out your fears on paper. You’ll learn why you might jump to conclusions and which things trigger you. Additionally, you’ll be able to look back at journal entries about anxiety and start to learn more about yourself. That includes specific patterns or traps that you might fall into.

It also includes seeing the growth you’ve made.

But, not everyone is a writer. You might not immediately feel comfortable jotting down your thoughts and feelings.

In those cases, journal prompts can help. When you have a specific idea to write about or a question to answer, it’s easier for the words to flow freely.

What to Do if You’re Prone to These Common Thinking Errors

Jennifer TzoumasSeptember 2, 2021August 20, 2021Leave a comment

Are You Prone to These Common Thinking Errors?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Everyone has areas of struggle when it comes to balanced thinking. It is so common that you may not even recognize it as a thinking error at all! Consider whether any of the following common thinking errors sound familiar, so that you can lessen the impact they have on your mental and emotional state.

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones? How to Grow From Your Difficulties

Jennifer TzoumasAugust 20, 2021September 26, 2021Leave a comment

Stumbling blocks are a natural part of life. Some people struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that feel crippling at times. Others have to deal with the pain of a chronic condition or illness. Even sudden or unexpected life changes can cause you to stumble. Whether it’s a divorce, job loss, or the death of someone you love, there are likely going to be things that make you feel stunted or blocked from your original path.

Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to get lost in those difficulties. In an effort to understand how and why it has happened, it is easy to start viewing them as failures. When you look at those difficult things that way, those stumbling blocks can feel like boulders.

So, why not view them as stepping stones, instead?

Breaking Free from Anxiety and Analysis Paralysis

Jennifer TzoumasAugust 5, 2021September 26, 2021Leave a comment

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

It’s not uncommon to have a hard time making certain decisions. Some people struggle with it more than others. But, "analysis paralysis" takes that to extremes. Analysis paralysis occurs when your underlying anxiety makes it impossible to make a decision. You’ll question things and second-guess yourself endlessly as you try to come up with the “perfect” conclusion. It truly is a debilitating problem that can end up making you even more anxious.

Finding & Embracing Your Authentic Self

Jennifer TzoumasJune 3, 2021May 26, 2021Leave a comment

It is easy to lose touch with our authentic self. Far too often, people think they can’t be who they truly are. Maybe it’s fear holding you back. Or, you might be uncertain whether people will like and accept you. Expectations tend to dictate how we act, especially around others. Unfortunately, that makes it easy for our authentic selves to sink into the background. In some cases, you might completely lose sight of who you really are.

How to Identify and Prevent Burnout

Jennifer TzoumasMay 27, 2021July 9, 2021Leave a comment

Today, it seems like burnout is disturbingly common. Pushing yourself too hard at work, taking on too many social obligations, or signing up for a heavy course load at school can all lead to burnout. But the warning signs of burnout have become normalized in our fast-paced society. Feeling exhausted or chronically stressed can seem like badges of honor in an intense profession. And sometimes, we even feel guilty if we aren’t “busy” or productive all of the time.

How can you recognize the signs of burnout early on? What can you do if you realize that you’re at risk for burnout? Let’s explore some of the telltale symptoms of burnout and discuss some prevention tips.

7 Ways You Can Overcome Negative Thinking

Jennifer TzoumasApril 29, 2021September 26, 2021Leave a comment

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Everyone has negative thoughts from time to time. That’s completely normal, and in most cases, they’ll go away on their own. But, if you find that you’re consistently struggling with negative thinking, it can start to bring you down. Negative self-talk can be a huge blow to your self-esteem and confidence. Constant negative thoughts can also lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.

So, what can you do to overcome negative thinking and take control of your thought patterns again? Let’s look at a few practical solutions.