MUSIC
When I find myself in a funk that I can’t define, I turn to music.
JOURNALING
Then, once I’m ready to process and pinpoint my negative emotions, I write. I don’t stop to judge or edit my thoughts, I just let it all out, the good and the bad. My journal is one of the few places where I’m honest with myself. Amazingly, I usually find answers to what I’m feeling after the fact once I’ve reread my entries.
COMIC RELIEF
The saying, “laughter is the best medicine” is a proven fact, at least for me. So, I try to see the lighter side of things when I can and when I can’t, I find something funny to watch or listen to. Or I hang out with my little nephew who cracks me up every time.
ORGANIZING/CLEANING
I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds organizing and cleaning therapeutic. I have challenging days and semi-challenging days with my health issues, but even the simplest of sorting—my purse, my bookshelf, my medicine drawer, my makeup bag—seems to put life in order.
TALK THERAPY
After implementing self-coping mechanisms, if I’m still overwhelmed or funked out, I call up Bestie, my sister, or make an appointment with a therapist. The advantage of therapy is that it’s a neutral environment and offers perspectives that I haven’t considered.
Lists and Life 