Bulletin Board Post

Feelings

I Need Self-Control Improvement

<div class="ExternalClass0578FDB9B5DD401DAB2DAF32F946DA51"><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"times new roman", serif;">I need more or better options of coping skills for self-control improvement. </span><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClassD3CD59773B49454CA5FD2D4FD0B547F5"><p>We all would benefit from having more effective coping skills, especially during these times when our normal lifestyles have been disrupted by people and event in our lives. Right now, there are a lot of factors in our world, asking for our attention and trying to get a response from us. When life feels like too much or unsettling it's important to take a step back to gain some perspective. Take a break from social media and the news. Try is to think of 3 things you are grateful for before you get out of bed each morning. Throughout the day work to incorporate something that brings you joy into your day; whether it be a walk in the sunshine during a break, listening to music or performing a random act of kindness for someone expecting nothing in return. Set a goal each day and celebrate at the end of the day when you have accomplished it.</p><p> Specific coping skills are personal and some work and some don't so it is an ever-changing list. We each have to choose things that work for us and be willing to try new things as well. We have a list with <a href="/pages/coping-skills.aspx">99 Coping Skills</a> if you need some ideas.</p><p> When it comes to your self-control around people, we suggest you identify what others do that really “trips your trigger" or “pushes your buttons". Then identify what happens to your body when that occurs. Do you tense your muscles, raise your voice, hold your breath, clench your teeth or your fists? Then think of something positive you can so it is impossible to do both at the same time. Purposefully relax your muscles, lower your voice, take a deep breath or two, move your jaw around and run your tongue over your teeth, or shake your hands out. These are strategies that distract you from allowing that anger or other intense emotions from growing and better help you practice good self-control. Try these <a href="/pages/tip-4-ways-to-manage-your-anger.aspx?Topic=Anger">4 Ways To Manage Your Anger</a>.</p><p> Keep working at this. You can do it!</p><p>Pat, Crisis Counselor<br></p></div>

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