Test your coping skills

It’s what it is. The way you cope with it, is what makes the difference –Virginia Satir BEING equipped with your basket of coping skills can be likened to having your daily intake of water for survival.

Life presents different types of issues, situations and challenges, some warranted and others aren’t, and as women, we must at all times be prepared and alert in our ability to effectively treat with same. Your ability to cope lies across the spectrum of the balancing act that focuses both on your co-existence and being a successful navigator.

Infusing coping strategies into your daily routine can be stressful in itself, and it with this in mind, that the International Women’s Resource Network equips women with a suite of coping strategies similar to a pocket diary that can support them. Unexpected challenges can sometimes appear to be a norm, and your ability to cope and remain in control, are dependent on how strong you are in your actions, as well as your emotions. Your skills are tested by your levels of creativity and spontaneity. For example, if you’re unable to quickly spot a solution, you need to brainstorm some options to allow you some immediate comfort. If the situation is extreme and exacerbating, you would need to exercise greater judgement in determining the best decision- making skills to employ. It is also useful to engage in systematic thinking where your thoughts can be written down for further review.

Depending on the gravity of the situation, some women panic instantly, leaving little or no room for breathing and developing a simple sequence of step-bystep decision-making strategies. Jotting down your main thoughts really helps you to walk through the situation with some ease. In your stressful moments, your emotions can be overpowering if allowed to go unnoticed.

Your emotional intelligence also plays a critical role in harnessing your coping skills. The emotional language spoken by your mind and body is indeed powerful as it is the conduit between the messages transmitted from your internal brain to your consciousness.

Your emotions offer immeasurable indicators for identifying solutions and navigating through turmoil.

In addition to engaging in some light exercises, sharpening your coping skills starts with associating with positive people who can both assist, support and add value in your challenging circumstances; do a word search or crossword; go into a quiet space and meditate; go shopping; read a good book either fiction or non-fiction; listen to music that can sooth your mind; try some aromatherapy; try a hobby such as baking, sewing or knitting.

Life is not an easy game to play, and it is only those who are sufficiently equipped to cope with the multiplicity of challenges, would be able to navigate with some measure of survival.

To obtain a copy of the book With Women in Mind call 283- 0318 or 795-9531.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.

com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com