It’s strange how no one really teaches you how to handle life’s toughest moments. Not parents, not schools, and certainly not mainstream media. Instead, we’re fed the worst coping mechanisms — drown your heartbreak in alcohol, chase meaningless hookups for emotional connection, or seek revenge when you’re bullied. And without realizing it, many people embrace these self-destructive patterns.But I found better ways to cope — ones that actually heal rather than harm. I hope they help you too.

No One Talks About These Healthy Coping Mechanisms—But They Work

Don’t numb that feeling with quick distractions like porn. Instead, channel that energy into something real — call a friend, spend time with loved ones, or engage in something that makes you feel valued. Physical closeness is only one part of intimacy. Connection is what truly matters.Learn to transmute that energy into something meaningful. I use that energy to work out or pour it into my creative endeavors.

IF YOU’RE ACHING FOR PHYSICAL INTIMACY…

Going through a breakup is tough because it’s not just the loss of a person—it’s the loss of dreams, routines, and a version of yourself that existed in that relationship.Suppressing emotions only makes them resurface more intensely. Allow yourself to feel sadness and anger, but don’t let them define you. Staying in touch makes it harder to heal—even checking their social media slows the process. Give yourself space—block, mute, or unfollow if needed.

IF YOU’RE GOING THROUGH A BREAKUP…

Call your mom. Ask for your favorite recipe and cook it while on a video call with her. Sometimes, a simple meal can bring home closer.

IF YOU’RE MISSING HOME…

Stand up for yourself, but don’t let anger push you into regretful actions. Seek help if needed — there’s no shame in asking for support. Many people have been where you are, and you are not alone. I was once bullied too, and I turned to my elder siblings for help. The problem disappeared because I refused to accept abuse for even a second. Know your worth. Don’t tolerate bullying, not even for a day.

IF YOU’RE BEING BULLIED…

YOU’RE ALLOWED TO “DEFY” YOUR PARENTS ON THREE THINGS; Your career, who you marry, and how you choose to live your life.These are deeply personal decisions that only you will have to live with every single day. I’m being very careful with my words here — I said defy, not disregard. There’s a difference.

Know that grief is love that didn’t get to be expressed. Let yourself feel it — there’s no rush. Take all the time you need. You’ve suffered a great loss, and you are allowed to cry. Don’t let anyone tell you to “get over it” just because time has passed. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. But in your pain, don’t turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol or drugs. Feel every emotion, but don’t stop taking care of yourself. Cook, practice self-care, meditate — whatever keeps you grounded. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means learning to carry your love and your loss together.

IF YOU’RE FACING GRIEF…

Don’t fight them. Don’t try to justify everything. Instead, show them respect and ask for the same in return. Tell them: “This is what I’m going to do, whether you believe in it or not, because this is what I truly believe in. Just support my decisions, and if things don’t go the way you anticipated, just be there with me — like a tree, ready to give shade. I will figure it out one way or another. And at least this way, I will never blame you for anything because I would have lived life on my own terms.”

IF YOUR PARENTS DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU…

Ask yourself: is this coming from someone who truly wants me to grow? If yes, listen. If not, let it go. Most of the time, people project their opinions — they rarely speak facts.

IF YOU’RE FACING CRITICISM…

Don’t numb the pain with alcohol or unhealthy habits. Instead, turn to creativity, music, or something that soothes your soul like food.

IF YOU’VE HAD THE WORST DAY…

If you’re going through something difficult, I hope you find a healthier way to cope. And if you have some better coping mechanism of your own, don't forget to comment. I would love to read those because I am always finding better way of living.

Don’t chase other people’s validation. Instead, ask yourself why you feel disconnected from yourself. Spend time doing things that make you feel whole — read, paint, take a long walk, or simply sit with your thoughts. Sometimes, the best company is your own.

IF YOU FEEL LONELY…

Write your worries down in a journal. Seeing them on paper makes them easier to manage.

IF YOU FEEL STRESSED…

Name them out loud: I feel anxious, and that’s okay. This simple act reduces their power over you.

IF YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED BY EMOTIONS…

Write down whatever is on your mind. The next morning, those thoughts that felt so heavy in the darkness will seem lighter in the daylight.

IF YOU CAN’T SLEEP…

Take a moment alone to breathe and reflect. Once the anger fades, try to see their perspective. Then, communicate with honesty and kindness.

IF YOU’VE FOUGHT WITH YOUR PARTNER…

Don’t look at the entire mountain. Just focus on the next step. One small step at a time is still progress.

IF YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED…

Don’t pace around. Instead, practice deep breathing or meditation. Stillness is more powerful than you think.

IF YOU FEEL ANXIOUS…

Visit the ocean, watch the stars, or take a walk in nature. The world is vast, and your worries are only a small part of it. Perspective can be powerful.

IF YOUR PROBLEMS FEEL TOO BIG…

Love yourself first. Cook yourself a good meal, exercise, or do something that makes you proud. Love starts from within.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE NOBODY LOVES YOU…

You are not alone. You are loved. And this moment is just one small piece of a much bigger story. Trust me we have all been there.

ABOVE ALL, WHATEVER YOU’RE GOING THROUGH, PLEASE REMEMBER…

Start small. Motivation comes from action, not the other way around. Make your bed. Drink water. Stretch. One small step will lead to another.

IF YOU FEEL UNMOTIVATED…

Congratulations, you’ve just been chosen as their humble servant. Prepare to be judged for your life choices while they knock things off your table at 3 a.m. But hey, at least you have a fluffy overlord now.

IF YOU FIND A CAT…

It’s okay. Not all friendships are meant to last forever — some people are just chapters in your story, not the whole book. But if you still miss them, reach out. A simple “hey, remember when…” can sometimes bring back what was lost. And if not, cherish the memories and make space for new connections.

IF YOU DRIFTED APART FROM SOME OF YOUR FRIENDS…

Stop exhausting yourself trying to explain. Write your thoughts down instead. Sometimes, understanding isn’t needed — just self-acceptance.

IF YOU FEEL MISUNDERSTOOD…

Have a heart-to-heart conversation. If expressing yourself feels difficult, write it down and give it to them. Sometimes, words flow more easily on paper. And if they point out something you did wrong, don’t let pride get in the way — apologize. A simple “I’m sorry” can go a long way in healing your bond.

IF YOU HAVE FOUGHT WITH YOUR SIBLINGS…

Remember: life isn’t a race. Some people find their path early; others take longer. Your timing isn’t wrong — it’s just yours.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE BEHIND IN LIFE…

Go for a run, stretch, or move your body. Physical activity helps release tension in ways words cannot.

IF YOU FEEL FRUSTRATED…

Write a love letter to your future partner or remind yourself of the love you already have in your life. love isn’t just romantic — it exists in friendships, family, and even in the small moments you cherish alone.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’LL BE SINGLE FOREVER…

Understand that jealousy often points to something you want but feel is out of reach. Instead of letting it consume you, use it as inspiration. Ask yourself: what is this feeling trying to teach me? Then, work toward your goals at your own pace.

IF YOU FEEL JEALOUS…

I know it stings. But please don’t take it as proof that you’re not enough. Rejection doesn’t mean something is wrong with you — it just means they weren’t the right person for you. Repeat with me “rejection is protection”. Trust me you will find the right person soon enough.

IF YOUR CRUSH REJECTED YOU…

All of these healthy coping mechanisms I found on my own and they helped me significantly. I hope they do the same for you!

IF YOU’VE FOUGHT WITH YOUR PARTNER…

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