April 6, 2026

The question is: What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

The following are things I incorporate into my daily life….

I Am Statements:
This is something I started with my younger children years ago, seems like forever ago.
These statements help for anyone to focus on the positive about themselves and not the negative. This also puts the focus on who we are in Christ, not what we do. In our world, we so much focus on what people do instead of who they are.

Deep Breathing:
I actually learned this from my yoga teachers. I don’t do all the yoga stuff but the focused breathing really helps in situations that may be filled with anxiety and taking slow deep breathes brings calm and clarity to moments of chaos. When people are anxious they can actually start hyperventilating and even have a panic attack. My favorite meditation I have shared before is the Abide app. It takes you through calm thoughts on the biblical stories and verses along with music that I can have playing through the night.

Praise Music:
Praise music uplifts my spirit, filling my heart with gratitude and joy. If it is a gloomy day or even just needing a pick me up, turning on the music helps a lot. We love dancing and singing along. I remember years ago when we’d be in the kitchen working together and everyone grabbed a spoon and pretended it was a microphone. When we can have fun working, it’s always a good time.

Workout:
I have a good friend years ago that showed me how she keeps in shape every day with Pilates as well as eating right. I was so determined then to make working out a daily practice for me, too. My only problem is I am not good at doing workout at home on my own. I have tried and I am done after 15-20 minutes so I go to a studio where I have teachers who kick my butt. My favorite workout is Sculpt followed by Barre. The endorphins that you receive when working out helps to keep anxiety and depression away. You also have more energy, are much happier, and it has been proven that there is less mental illness if you workout. Working out is the happy, feel good, natural drug.

Singing: 
Singing makes me happy happy happy. One of my blessings is always doing karaoke and I have loved to do that more and more. I remember having instrumental cassette tapes growing up and would shut my bedroom door, listen, and sing on my walkman! Boy, I feel old.

Journaling/Writing:
I have a good friend that will ask me, “when is the last time you journaled?” if I am having an off day or feeling blah. She is so right! When I start writing, it is so therapeutic. I am so thankful for friends who remind me of things that will help.

Spending Time Outside:
I love being outside when it is nice weather. I love to weed, believe it or not, and as I work in the gardens, I find serenity where I pray. I started this habit about twenty plus years ago. I love the smell of outside and cut grass. I love mowing and doing yard work. I don’t know why but I do. Probably has something to do with getting natural Vitamin D.

All together, these activities help me to try and find a nice balance in my days.

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