Are You Coping With Stress In A Healthy Way?

Many, many people are facing stressors that have reached a new level of intensity. Instead of dealing with work stress, high mortgages and tension in relationships, almost unprecedented numbers of people are facing foreclosures, layoffs, and large amounts of resulting stress. Even for those who don't face such extreme circumstances, we're all feeling the stress of having these things happen around us, feeling sympathy and wondering where it will all lead.

When stress reaches high levels, many people find themselves coping in less-healthy ways than we would normally use. People who once smoked might go back to the habit, for example, or current smokers might smoke more. Others might find themselves eating less-healthy food, overeating, or not eating enough, and experiencing negative physical effects from that. Drinking too much, spending too much or burying ourselves in work are other ways that people might find themselves coping, rather than employing healthier strategies like exercise, meditation or social support. And it's often not a conscious choice; many people find that these unhealthy ways of coping with stress tend to creep in and replace healthier habits.

Have you found yourself slipping into unhealthy habits as a result of new stress? Vote in the poll, share your experiences in the comments, and share both your worst and best coping strategies.

Coping Resources from Elizabeth Scott

Unhealthy Responses to Stress: What Are They?

Quiz: Is Your Stress Level Unhealthy?

Dealing With The Stress of a Financial Crisis

Building Resilience to Stress

Healthy Coping Strategies

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