Coping From A to Z

I have a fun task for you, and it involves thinking, which is good for you.  When we aren't feeling well, or are in the midst of 'brain fog',. 'fibro fog', or whatever condition you have that attacks your ability to think clearly, it can be hard to come up with what to do to feel better.  Today's task will come in handy on those days.

Write the alphabet down the side of a piece of paper, one letter on each line.  If there aren't enough lines for all the letters, continue on the back of the paper, or start a new column about half way across the page.  This can also be done on the computer, if you prefer.  Now, start to brainstorm different ways to cope, and write them down after the letter of the alphabet with which they start.  For example, 'A' could be 'art'.  'B' could be 'bubble bath' or 'bake'.  "Ask for help' could go on the line for either 'A' or 'H'.  What is a 'coper'?   Dictionary.com defines 'cope' as:to face and deal with responsibilities, problems, or difficulties,esp. successfully or in a calm or adequate manner.  A coper is any technique that helps you do that.  Write down things you know have helped you in the past, as well as anything you would like to try.

You don't have to stop at one coper for each letter, you can have as many as come to mind.  In fact, the more, the better, because then you will have more ideas to choose from. If you don't think you can do the whole alphabet, start smaller.  Use the letters of your name, or the letters of a word or two, such as 'COPING IDEAS'.  You don't have to do this all in one session.  You can start it today, and work on it over time.  You can add to it any time you like.   This can be fun to do with other people, and compare lists.  That way, you get more than one brain storming .

Besides the obvious benefit of having a nice list of copers when you are done, there are other benefits.  First, while you are working on this list, you are coping.  Your brain is focusing on brainstorming ways to cope, so it is not focusing on your pain or other problems.  Second, research has shown that doing brain exercises helps keep your brain working better.  So brainstorm away.  You may be surprised at how many ideas come to mind once you get going on this.