There have been numerous conversations across our country circling politics, healthcare, racism, and public safety that have left people feeling conflicted, anxious, and pressured to make decisions all while navigating a new way of living. So, how do you focus on well-being and cope with these feelings that are driven by so many different conflicts and opinions? The good news, there are many positive ways to cope, adapt, or digest these tough matters.
Research from Frontiers in Psychology shares that well-being does not simply represent a lack of stress or negative emotions. Instead, well-being adapts to them, reducing suffering by maintaining hope, practicing positive reframing, expressing gratitude, and engaging in meaningful activities. All of these can also be referred to as meaning-centered coping.
What is meaning-centered coping?
Meaning-centered coping is a set of behavioral strategies including:
- Maintaining a sense of hope and purpose
- Practicing positive reframing
- Engaging in meaningful activities
Rather than tying your identity, your emotions, or even your loved ones to external conflicts, accept both the positive and negative circumstances and work to resolve them through your own choices and behaviors.
How can I just move on?
The answer isn’t to move on and adopt the rosy outlook that everything is positive. Instead, the goal is to maintain hope, appreciate life, and look ahead to the future. There will be challenges, but each brings new opportunities and a chance for self-discovery, reflection, and change.
Finding support
There are a variety of ways to find support for coping. Consider a support group where you can build connections with people that have similar outlooks and histories as you. Discover a safe place where you can be yourself and be heard. At Valley Oaks Health, we provide counseling for groups and individuals, so you are able to build the network that is right for you in order to overcome the challenges and reinforce the strength you already have.
