How to Learn Coping Mechanisms

Learning to Cope is Almost Never Taught but it Can Be Learned

Oct 17, 2009

Getting through everyday tasks and disappointments can be draining. A good attitude can keep a person afloat and in good spirits. Learning coping strategies is key.

There are three points to remember on the journey to daily happiness. The first step is cultivating self-acceptance, the second is having compassion for others, and the third is learning how to smile, according to experts.

Learning Self-Acceptance

Learning self-acceptance is a lesson that's not usually included in formal schooling, nor is it always taught home during childhood. Many people actually go through life without achieving a state of self-acceptance. Without self-acceptance, life is more apt to be fearful, dark and bleak.

If a person cannot fully come to terms with himself, how can one face daily confrontations, troubles, and a host of other challenges? It's very important that each person recognizes and cultivates personal strengths and abilities.

According to Alex Linley, International expert on strengths and author of the book titled Average to A+, using personal strengths makes people feel more authentic; one will feel like he is being true to himself. He may also believe that using a strength can bring about great changes in the world.

Developing Compassion

Compassion is another skill that is not usually “taught.” Sometimes, this topic is brought up in a religious education setting or at home when a child has a run-in with another child at school. Often, parents tell their kids to be sympathetic to another child who, for example, may have a learning disability.

Compassion is also important because it makes people connect. Everyone wants something special out of life. Learning to be compassionate and empathetic is a skill built over time but can be introduced and reinforced early in life. The Dalai Lama believes if people practice compassion individually it will ultimately spill over and contribute to the overall happiness of the entire community.

Smiling and Success

Studies have shown over and over again that smiling does in fact improve mood and well being. A simple smile appears to have a positive impact on life. The brain automatically thinks the body is happy when smiling (whether a person is truly happy or not). This sends out good messages to the body that things are functioning well and in working order.

Smiling and cultivating feelings of well-being will help to keep things balanced and in perspective. After all, as the old saying goes, it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.

Getting Through the Tough Times

Self-acceptance, compassion, and smiling can make a difference according to many leaders and gurus such as the Dalai Lama and Joyce Meyer. Cultivating self-acceptance, compassion and happiness can improve an individual's quality of life across the board. Joyce Meyer says that if you like yourself "you'll make it." In the end, it really all starts with the “man in the mirror.”

The copyright of the article How to Learn Coping Mechanisms in Personal Development is owned by Rachel Ricucci . Permission to republish How to Learn Coping Mechanisms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.