Coping tools. Towards tolerating negative situations, adjusting to possible needed changes, and keeping a positive self-image.

 

  Life is always surprising us with both positive and negative things. No one can stop negative things from happening, and even sometimes cannot control them. This means struggling and stress are part of our daily life. On the other hand, no one can force positive things to happen all the time.

  Stress leads to the increase of cortisol levels, the stress hormone in the body, in addition to the decrease of the DOSE of happiness. Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. The rewarding chemical in the brain, love hormone, mood stabilizer, and natural painkiller respectively.

  If persists for a long period, this leads to a series of body, mood, and thinking problems. Pain, fatigue, low self-esteem, weight gain, procrastination, anxiety, depression, mood swings, impulsive behavior, loneliness, headache, social phobia, sleeping problems, memory impairment, short breath, and digestive problems to list some.

  During these harsh times, we need ways to help us tolerate these negative situations, adjust ourselves to possible needed changes, and keep our positive self-image regardless of what happens.

  We need to reduce the level of the stress hormone, cortisol, and we need to increase our DOSE of happiness, dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. There are several things one can do to adjust the balance of cortisol and DOSE in the body, meaning to decrease cortisol, and increase DOSE. These things are ways to make the brain happy hence, it can function properly.

  The brain loves to talk, move, do things that need a short time, try different things, look at pictures, and write. The brain needs good food, oxygen, and enough amount of sleep.

  Based on the previous different things the brain needs, or loves to do, here are some hacks to reach the desired situation of coping with stress:

  Have good relationships with other people, could be a spouse, friend, family member, neighbor, colleague, or anyone you meet. Good relationships mean you have someone to talk to, which is something the brain likes to do. Based on the type of relationship, hugging and holding hands helps even more to get feelings betters. Enjoying jokes and laughing while chatting is another great help. There is also volunteer work where one meets other people with the ‘’love to give’’, which is another kind of good relationship within the whole community. If not adults, then talking to a toddler would do. If not humans, then one can play with an animal. If not to anyone or anything, then one can have positive self-talk which is usually a big relief.

  Just like the rest of the body the brain needs healthy food, so try less salt and sugar, and more fruits and vegetables. Drink more water. Dark chocolate makes one feel better. Herbal teas as well.

  The brain likes to try different things. Treat your senses, as if they are the gate of your brain to the world. Enjoy the smell of cookies coming from a bakery, try cooking a new recipe, and surround yourself with essential oils. Enjoy the feeling of sand and water, walk with bare feet on the soil, spend time among plants, and sit on the grass. The sound of waves and birds is of course a big plus.

  The brain likes movement, and to enjoy movement, you need to take care of your body. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, breathe deeply, walk or run in the sun, put on comfortable clothes, take a shower, clean your area, and do some gardening.

  The brain likes to do things that do not require a lot of time, so plan to reach your goals and chunk the tasks into several small steps. Focus on one task at a time so it takes your attention. Check the task done to celebrate your achievement. Take a rest period after doing each task. Stay organized.

  The brain likes pictures and beauty. Decorating your place by inspiring items you like, watching TV, reading, doing some arts, and traveling even if only virtually are all good things to consider doing.

  The brain likes to write, as this is a way to tell someone what you have. It is a big stress relief. No need for anyone to read what you wrote, this is your own secret. Have a journal and make it a habit to reflect on your day, feelings, thoughts, and ideas. From time to time, read what wrote and try to think of your thinking. Pray, as this is your way to tell God what you have.