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Feeling low or sad is pretty normal – we all have mood swings from time to time. That's if we know how to help ourselves during that hard time. Some people, unfortunately, can fall into some bad habits.

Research shows that 46% of Americans cope with stress by overeating or eating unhealthy foods. 29% said they either start drinking or drink more, and 16% turn to cigarettes as their coping mechanism.

As both alcohol and nicotine are popular bad habits to turn to when you're feeling sad, people are looking for more healthy ways to cope with low moods. Wanting to know what other people's strategies are, one netizen asked: "People who don't drink or smoke, what do you do when you are at your lowest?" Not all answers included healthy habits, that's for sure, but most of them are extremely relatable.

Bored Panda reached out to licensed psychologist Dr. Nathan Brandon. He told us more about why people turn to bad habits in times of stress and how people can cope with it in a healthy way.

We also had a conversation with the person who started this thread, u/vashisthaa. They opened up about the way they deal with stress – meditation. Read our chat with them and Dr. Brandon's expert insights below!

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#1

It sounds weird, but when my depression hits and I'm having a bad day, I do three things:

* Take the maximum dose of any available anti-inflammatory I have on hand (Tylenol, Ibuprofen).
* Go for a walk.
* Deliberately do something nice for someone else.

Why?

* Depression flare-ups and inflammation go hand in hand.
* Exercise moderates depression severity.
* And finally, it just makes me feel better knowing that someone's day just got a little better.

It's worked fairly well over time. :).

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Sven Horlemann
Sven Horlemann
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I run regularily. To keep my peace of mind. Or get stuff processed.

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"One of the main reasons people turn to smoking or drinking during difficult times is to manage stress," Dr. Nathan Brandon explains. "Both smoking and drinking are often perceived as quick fixes that provide immediate relief from the pressures of daily life."

"Nicotine in cigarettes and vapes can create a calming effect, while alcohol is frequently used to numb emotional pain or diffuse anxiety," Dr. Brandon told Bored Panda. "Additionally, societal norms and media portrayals can reinforce the idea that smoking or drinking is a valid way to cope, making these behaviors more likely to be adopted when someone is experiencing hardship. For some, these substances may offer a temporary escape from the reality of their problems, albeit with potentially harmful long-term consequences."

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    #2

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope I self isolate pretty aggressively.

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    #3

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Just lay in bed rotting away all day until my brain hits a reset (usually from a nap) where I can actually get up. Its f*****g miserable, I wont touch smoking or drinking knowing I'd use it to cope.

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    Unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking aren't the only ways to cope with stress. "One powerful method is regular physical exercise," Dr. Brando says. "Jogging, cycling, or even walking releases endorphins and helps to reduce stress hormones. Relaxation practices, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation, can also help to reduce stress. Setting realistic goals and prioritizing tasks can also prevent overwhelming feelings of stress."

    "Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor may also be beneficial for developing personalized coping mechanisms and addressing underlying issues contributing to stress," Dr. Brandon says. Truly, there is no shame in seeking professional help anymore. If you're feeling dejected, reach out to a mental health specialist and let them help you!

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    #4

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Overeat.

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    #5

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Force myself to go outside and lie in the sun. Even in winter. It’s nice, my dog always comes out with me. Sometimes we garden and potter in the vege garden. I hike a lot too. If it’s extra bad I’ll pack everything and go on an overnight hike. On my worst days I walk around the block with the dog. I can be as sad as I want but my dog doesn’t have to be sad too. Sometimes I hate those walks but the fresh air is nice. I also force myself to go the gym sometimes. That’s a new one I’m working on.

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    Lil Miss Hobbit
    Lil Miss Hobbit
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I trained myself to take my dog on a walk. When you live with your parents you don't get peace if you just want to lay in bed. Also the exercise and fresh air is good for you and the dog is a nice buddy to vent to.

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    #6

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Chocolate.

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    If that's out of your financial capabilities at the moment or you're just too self-conscious to open up to a stranger, try socializing. "Spending time with friends or family, or even participating in community groups, can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation," Dr. Brandon says. "Journaling can also be a therapeutic way to express and process emotions."
    #7

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Going out to eat at the park and watch cute animals especially cat and dogs.

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    #8

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope I do drink, but I definitely don't touch a drop when I'm feeling low. That's just asking for trouble. I'll only ever have a drink if I'm in a good mood.

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    #9

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope When I'm feeling down, I just put on my comfiest PJs, grab a bag of Cheetos, and have a good old-fashioned Netflix binge-watching session. And by 'good old-fashioned', I mean I spend 3 hours watching cat videos and then wonder where the time went.

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    "It's important to remember that managing stress is not a one-size-fits-all approach," Dr. Nathan Brandon notes. "It's essential to find what works best for you and to regularly practice these strategies. Additionally, self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, taking breaks when needed, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy can also help to prevent stress from building up. Remember to be kind to yourself and prioritize your physical and mental well-being."
    #10

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Eat, sleep, cry, doom scroll for worse s**t.

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    #11

    Eat :/ I've gained 55 lbs in the last 3 years.

    But I just had an appointment with my doctor yesterday for a weight loss plan, and I'm seeing a therapist. We're working on it 👍.

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    #12

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Lie in bed

    eat a lot or nothing at all

    cry


    (editing to clarify for people in the replies that I do not stay in bed and cry all day and ruin my life. I mean these are things I do for a few hours/maybe half a day when I'm having a particularly bad time mentally. after that I'm perfectly capable of getting up and doing something more productive. crying my emotions out and resting before going out and making a plan and working on things makes me feel better.).

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    Magenta Blu
    Magenta Blu
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seems I can't stand up anymore... Going out of the bed requires an incredible amount of energy... that i don't have

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    We also were able to get in touch with the person who started this thread. The Redditor u/vashisthaa tells us they wanted to know how people online handle stress. "I wanted to start a debate about the variety of options that one can look for when it comes to handling their mental health without the use of any addictive substances."
    #13

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Play games.

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    #14

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Games & fiction, if i've some extra energy, run around the nearby lake for an hour.

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    Mia Black
    Mia Black
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Game, fiction and comedy, plus a little comfort food. Sometimes making little gifts to make other people happy so I can co-smile

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    #15

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Hey OP. 48 year old married father of two in the UK here. I’ve never smoked and stopped drinking about a year ago (shoutout to r/stopdrinking!)

    When I get low, I’ll do the following:

    - Examine the reasons I’m low then use the relevant techniques I was taught during counselling for anxiety a few years ago (I won’t bore you with the details - this works for some people and not others)

    - Give myself something to look forward to - plan something to do with a hobby (RC cars for me - buying a £5 upgrade for my stupid little car cheers me up as I look forward to fitting it!), look at planning a trip in the future - doesn’t have to be expensive, just something to look forward to.

    - I sincerely understand that you will not want to hear this - but if the above fails, I will get outside and exercise.

    All the best from Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

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    Alexandra Nara
    Alexandra Nara
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to hear this, good healthy cope mechanism make me feel hopeful to get there too and helps tostay motivated. You do great..thx for sharing

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    "Mental stress is very widespread today," the netizen told Bored Panda. "Work stress, family problems, health issues, fights, failures, loneliness, the list can go on, but there is no proper teaching regarding how we can handle our mind when we are anxious, worried, sad, or when we are filled with cravings." 
    #16

    Play PC games or watch some comfort shows like Friends or Gilmore Girls.

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    Alexandra Nara
    Alexandra Nara
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Something you can lay your brain to sleep,so it can cool down..I watched Big bang theory

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    #17

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Gym.

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    geezeronthehill
    geezeronthehill
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Farm gym. Firewood, gardening, dig a ditch, change the landscape, bail hay.

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    #18

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope I journal, go for a walk, or call a friend for support.

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    The Redditor is a volunteer at the Art Of Living organization, which has centers in over 180 countries and teaches people stress-elimination and self-development. "I am a teacher myself," u/vashisthaa tells us.

    "Stress and unfavorable situations are inevitable. But the best way of living through them is to stay centered within and not let our mind[s] lose control. Do not forget that situations come and go, problems are part of life, [and] nothing is more important than our smile and peace of mind," the Redditor explains. "Do what is necessary to be done but with a stable mind. Being feverish and stressful are rather the worst ways to deal with any situation."

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    #19

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Eat cheesecake flavoured ice cream / sleep a lot.

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    Sue Denham
    Sue Denham
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm really interested in the cheesecake flavoured ice cream. Where can you get that?

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    #20

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope I'm a peaceful suburban dad, but even I have my limits.

    When all else fails, gardening with a motor whipper snipper - just the right mixture of gardening and violence. Vrooom vroom muthafucka.
    (Honda variohead 345cc if anyone needs a model.).

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    #21

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Lay in bed listening to a spotify playlist particularly catered for this kind of situation.

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    "I practice meditation and work on my breath, doing breathing exercises. Besides that, in Art of Living, we teach a practice named Sudarshan Kriya, which has immense benefits. It's like an instant detoxifier, both mental and physical."

    "The magic of breath is still unknown to many people," u/vashisthaa adds. "It should be taught to everyone so that they become efficient [in handling] their own emotions at least."

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    #22

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Cry and become a burden to those around me.

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    Mia Black
    Mia Black
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they are friends it's not a burden. They are 'happy' to help you through a hard time. That's what friends are for and you probably will give it back.

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    #23

    I think to myself - 'at least I'm better off than those poor slobs who drink and smoke'.

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    #24

    Eat pizza and then sleep.

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    #25

    If it's nighttime, sleep.

    If it's daytime, meditate.

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    #26

    Music helps me too get over certain problems in life but long walks alone also really help me clear my head.

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    Tempest
    Tempest
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Long walks are therapy! Especially early in the morning or late in the evening when there are less people outside. It’s just you and your music (or thoughts) enjoying some fresh air and inadvertently keeping your body fit! Win-win!

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    #27

    I pray to God for comfort and guidance. I cast my worries on him, and know that He has a plan for me.

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    #28

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope I used to be addicted to videogames and movies / series.

    MrMyagi007 , cottonbro studio Report

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    #29

    Try and bargain with god to die and give the rest of my years away.

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    Magenta Blu
    Magenta Blu
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    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I somehow become very interested in news.. specially if them involve some kind of accident or crimes ... and wonder why this happens to everyone but not to me...

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    #30

    Eat. Comfort food at 4am is the way to deal.

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    #31

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Lay in bed all day. Binge use my phone. Maybe cry.

    I do drink, but very little and only when I'm happy.

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    #32

    Jogging, meditation and family.

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    #33

    33 People Who Don’t Drink Or Smoke Share How They Cope Thug it out

    I'd really like to hug it out instead but I can't.

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