From a young age, I learned the importance of developing healthy coping skills. Life will always bring stress—whether it’s school, work, or relationships—and the earlier we learn to manage it, the better equipped we are to handle challenges as adults. When I was younger, I didn’t always handle stress well. I tended to bottle things up, hoping they would disappear. But as I grew older, especially in my nursing career, I realized that stress needed to be addressed, not ignored. That’s when I began exploring coping strategies that have made all the difference in my personal and professional life.
One of the most powerful skills I developed was learning to pause and reflect before reacting. Whether through journaling, mindfulness, or simply taking a moment for deep breathing, these small actions help me manage even the most intense emotions. Journaling, in particular, has been a lifeline for me. Putting my thoughts down on paper brings clarity, helping me process what I’m feeling and allowing me to move forward with a clear mind.
It's not just about the big challenges in life—coping skills are essential for everyday stressors too. These small techniques build resilience, which makes us more adaptable and strong. This is why I believe it’s so crucial for children and teens to be taught how to handle stress in a healthy way. If they can learn to cope early, they will be better prepared for the stresses that come with adulthood.
For school-aged children, stress-relieving activities can be simple yet effective. I encourage activities like deep breathing exercises, creative outlets such as drawing, or even just having a trusted adult to talk to. As they grow into high school students, journaling becomes a fantastic tool, alongside regular physical activity and learning how to manage their time effectively. These habits not only alleviate stress but also build emotional awareness and confidence.
When I reached college, the pressure intensified, and that’s when I truly began to appreciate the importance of sleep, exercise, and maintaining a balanced schedule. I found that peer support groups were invaluable. Sometimes, simply sharing your stress with someone going through the same experiences is enough to lighten the load. Using mindfulness apps also became part of my daily routine to help me stay centered.
As an adult, the coping skills I developed over the years have only grown more important. Journaling remains my go-to practice, while setting clear boundaries has become vital to prevent burnout. I also prioritize daily exercise and meditation to maintain a healthy mental state. Even hobbies like crafting or spending time with my dogs provide a creative outlet that keeps me grounded and relaxed.
For anyone looking to explore what stress-relieving activities are available in their community, start with local resources like community centers, parks, or even the library. Many places offer yoga, mindfulness workshops, or even art therapy programs. Schools, universities, and workplaces often have wellness programs or peer groups that provide mental health resources. Social media groups or apps like Meetup can also help you find local activities or support networks tailored to stress relief. By tapping into these resources, you can build a personalized toolkit of coping strategies that work for you.
Ultimately, developing healthy coping mechanisms is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. It’s about building resilience and learning how to navigate life’s ups and downs with clarity and calm. From school-aged children to adults, there’s no better time to start than now. Whether it’s journaling with a cup of tea or exploring what your community has to offer, the key is to find what works for you—and make it part of your daily life.
Wishing you much success in finding a healthy routine that works for you.
-Harper
Below you will find a list of Harper's top picks of products to help achieve success in gaining great coping skills for all ages. Affiliate Disclosure: The below links are considered affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Exceptional resources for kids:
Mind Brain Emotion 52 Essential Coping Skills for Kids: Mindfulness CBT Cards for Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Executive Functioning, Coping Strategies for Anxious Generation, Family, School Therapy Game https://amzn.to/4gzixPg
Coping Skills for Kids Coping Cue Cards Discovery Deck (CSKCCDIS) https://amzn.to/4dnCGop
Anxiety Cubes Therapy Game identifies people, places and situations that trigger anxiety. For kids, teens, adults. Learn coping skills for difficult emotions. Individual or group sessions. https://amzn.to/3MWU7l9
Exceptional resources for adults:
52 Essential Coping Skills Cards - Self Care Exercises for Stress and Social Anxiety Relief - Resilience, Emotional Agility, Confidence Therapy Games for Teens, Adults by Harvard Educator https://amzn.to/4eyUzBJ
The School of Mindfulness- Mindfulness Coping Skills Series Deck, for Depression and Anxiety, Anger Management, and Cravings and Triggers (Anger Management) https://amzn.to/47BpwTE
The Idea Space Best 100 Mindful Prompts for Self Care & Stress Relief Cards (1 Player) | Reduce Anxiety, Increase Relaxation | Kids, Teens, Adults | Mindfulness Gift https://amzn.to/4gyy2XD
Comments