Coping with a Crisis

Again this is from this week's CK uni stuff and great timing for things that are happening in my life.

No one plans for one, yet it at anytime in our lives, a crisis may turn our lives upside down. You may not be able to control the crisis, but you can manage your reaction.
Your Thoughts
Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy. Negative self-talk can intensify the negative impact of a crisis. In fact, our perceptions and thoughts can exacerbate the crisis and wreak even more emotional havoc than the crisis itself.
Have you ever heard yourself saying any of the following?
"I can't deal with this."
" I will never be the same."
"My life is over."
Do you "awfulise" or tend to make situations even worse than they actually are in day-to-day events? If you do, your thinking will be your own worst enemy when a crisis strikes.
Extreme Stressors
Sometimes, the impact of stress in our lives can be enormous. A relationship break up, a death in the family, a major upheaval at work or a fight with a friend can all throw your world into turmoil. Staying in touch with your health goals can be impossible when you feel that your world has come tumbling down but you don't have to let go entirely. Good nutrition, sleep and exercise can all help you to deal with extreme stress and will lessen the negative impacts of stress on your body.
If a major crisis has occurred and your life has spun out of control for a few days, or even a few weeks, you may feel like your health goals are history. Go easy on yourself. Take the time you need to deal with whatever comes your way. Look after yourself and nurture yourself.
If, however, food has become an ongoing method of dealing with stress for you, perhaps it's time to look for alternatives. Emotional eating and stress-related bingeing are major issues that can be dealt with and resolved. There are alternatives for stress relief, including counselling, exercise and relaxation techniques.
Anger Management
Dealing with crisis is a huge part of being human. The way that we handle stress and situations that are out of our control can have a big impact on our health. If you have ever been the perpetrator of road rage or taken your stress out on your family, you are probably experiencing high levels of stress and need to take steps to manage anger. Violence or abuse in the home is of particular concern and the advice of a counsellor may be required.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
For many people, times of crisis can open up new levels of addiction. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of coping. Ultimately, alcohol and drug abuse can only make the situation worse, including problems at work, financial strains and health problems. Driving while under the influence can put your life and the life of others at risk. Seek help from a recognised organisation in your area.
Coping Mechanisms
While we cannot prevent a crisis from occurring, we can put strategies in place to deal with crisis and prevent ourselves from engaging in a cycle of addictive behaviours, including binge eating. There are many methods of making ourselves feel better that don't involve food or eating.
Do something to relax your body: Go for a long walk, swim, jog. Maintain your exercise program. When you keep you body active, it helps your mind cope better.
Do something to relax your mind: meditation, deep breathing.
Express yourself: Write it all down. Allow yourself time to feel your emotions (unless they are so overwhelming that you can not manage them). Seek professional help if necessary.
Take a personal inventory: take stock of all that is good in your life.
Here are some further tips:
Don't isolate yourself. Seek comfort and support from friends and family.
Have a good cry – it's better to let your emotions out than to hold them. They will only fester and build up.
Physical touch is good for the spirit. Give a hug, ask for a hug.
Take a yoga or tai chi class.
Spend some time in the garden, park, beach or other natural environment.
Read something that soothes your soul.
Write in your blog.

Carlton