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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!
This post may include affiliate links.
#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. :).
Sven Horlemann 8 months ago
I run regularily. To keep my peace of mind. Or get stuff processed.
"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."
RELATED:
#3
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.
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!
#5
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.
Lil Miss Hobbit 8 months ago
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.
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
Going out to eat at the park and watch cute animals especially cat and dogs.
#8
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.
#9
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.
"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
Eat, sleep, cry, doom scroll for worse s**t.
#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 👍.
#12
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.).
Magenta Blu 8 months ago
Seems I can't stand up anymore... Going out of the bed requires an incredible amount of energy... that i don't have
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."
#14
Games & fiction, if i've some extra energy, run around the nearby lake for an hour.
#15
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.
Alexandra Nara 8 months ago
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
"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.
Alexandra Nara 8 months ago
Something you can lay your brain to sleep,so it can cool down..I watched Big bang theory
#17
Gym.
geezeronthehill 8 months ago
Farm gym. Firewood, gardening, dig a ditch, change the landscape, bail hay.
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."
#19
Eat cheesecake flavoured ice cream / sleep a lot.
Sue Denham 8 months ago
I'm really interested in the cheesecake flavoured ice cream. Where can you get that?
#20
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.).
_physically_insane_(he/him) 8 months ago
What is a motor whipper snipper? Is it another name for a weed whacker?
#21
Lay in bed listening to a spotify playlist particularly catered for this kind of situation.
"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."
#23
I think to myself - 'at least I'm better off than those poor slobs who drink and smoke'.
#26
Music helps me too get over certain problems in life but long walks alone also really help me clear my head.
#27
I pray to God for comfort and guidance. I cast my worries on him, and know that He has a plan for me.
#29
Try and bargain with god to die and give the rest of my years away.
Magenta Blu 8 months ago
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...
#31
Lay in bed all day. Binge use my phone. Maybe cry.
I do drink, but very little and only when I'm happy.
#33
Thug it out
I'd really like to hug it out instead but I can't.
What do you think ?
StrangeOne 8 months ago
Cleaning, playing favourite games on my phone, drinking coffee, eating desserts and rolls, binging on my dvd series of King of The Hill, Daria and Little House on The Prairie. Next will be binging on the complete seasons of Highway To Heaven. Play my favourite video games, make a painting, reading, shopping, spending time with people I enjoy, researching harmful chemicals and products to avoid.
whineygingercat 8 months ago
Read, watch various crime drama, movies, multiple types of crafts - ie: cross-stitch, crochet, beadwork, sewing...
Tempest 8 months ago (edited)
I’m not against alcohol but I’ve never consumed any (by choice) or smoked (totally against it), but I know if I were to drink, with the mental health battles I have, I’ll definitely end up with an addiction. To cope I mostly just lie in bed and scroll endlessly on the Internet (BP!) or try to catch some sleep. Else something like listening to music, watching something (true crime 😉), going for a walk, drawing, or reading. However, the best mechanism I use would be spending time with my cat or taking the dogs for a walk. Massive serotonin boost!! I also keep a stash of small sweets (like M&Ms or Skittles) in a jar and take a few pretending they’re “chill pills”. Chocolate and ice cream also does the trick!
FlamingoPanda 8 months ago
Cold water swimming has really helped me cope with life. If I am down and stressed out then a quick plunge in the cold sea gives me a rapid reset.
Malek Basata 7 months ago
When I'm depressed I'd waste time wrestling my stuffed pet and apologize to it before bedtime 😭
Gianna B D 7 months ago
Assuming the kids are taken care of (eg asleep, with grandparents), I like to build with Legos. It makes me feel in control.
Scarlett 8 months ago
I lie in bed, isolate myself from my friends, and punish myself for being so useless and lazy by not eating and telling myself how much of a terrible person I am.
ConstantlyJon 8 months ago
My time to shine! As a good little pastor's kid growing up, I never smoked, did d***s, drank, had sex, partied, had fun, etc. As an adult, now I still don't drink because my wife's ex husband was an alcoholic so I never want her to even smell it on my breath or anything. I've still never had anything to drink in my life, never smoked or did d***s of any kind. Instead, I hit porn pretty hard when I was younger (surprise, surprise!). Once I did some recovery and got through that addiction, now I overeat, play too many games, watch youtube, and overwork. Still not great and I've lots of room to grow. But damnit sometimes I just need to watch a minecraft video.
Ash 8 months ago
I have PTSD, tho I'm mostly recovered. When something triggers me I curl up in bed (I work from home, so I can usually do this!), pull my blankets up, and have a little cry. Crying releases feel-good chemicals and allows me to express my feelings. Then I just try to be gentle with myself the rest of the day. Remind myself that I'm allowed to feel however I need to feel. Take breaks when I need to. (Luckily I've got a great job that allows me to take time off pretty much when I want to.) When I feel like I've expressed my emotions enough to myself and that now I'm encouraging them and wallowing, then I do something to distract myself, like go for a walk or watch some youtube while crocheting or something. I used to go for walks out in nature a LOT when I was dealing with more bipolar symptoms (too much energy at the same time as feeling depressed) because it burnt off energy, got me outside in the sun, distracted me, and gave me something beautiful to look at.
Trisec Tebeakesse 8 months ago
I quit my job and quit drinking on the same day. I've thrown myself full-bore into a new job, and have somewhat cut off my friends from the old place. All we did was go out after work and drink. This is no longer what I want out of my life.
Katarzyna Drozd 8 months ago
Here, more accurate tile: "how to exchange one unhealthy habit to another one instead finding a solution"
Jack Burton 8 months ago
Running if i feel stressed out but if i'm really depressed i just lay down on my bed listening depressing music
Carl Roberts 7 months ago
I watch Star Trek. No matter how many times I've seen the episodes, takes me right out of whatever is bothering me.
I Need More Espresso 7 months ago
If I have no willpower- chocolate, movies, nap and hope for a reset With willpower- walk the dog in a nearby park until I remember the wonderful things in life
Toothless Feline 8 months ago
Two things: I play with my cats, and I go to the bookstore and leave my payment methods in the car.
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
Read. Scroll Bored Panda. Text friends. Play with kitties. But mostly read.
Kristal 8 months ago
I'm medicated! I have depressive periods regularly which usually last a week. My go to is Binge watching Netflix or some such. I don't normally like horror movies but I can watch them when I'm depressed, sometimes it actually helps me get out of the depression hole. I also do some gaming and eat food that make me feel happy (this can range from frozen blueberries to pizza) but I try to moderate how much (if I actually feel like eating or feeding myself). I talk to friends when I can and also see a therapist once a week. Oh! And gardening. Summer makes me more depressed but gardening actually makes it much more manageable.
KatSaidWhat 8 months ago
I drink and smoke (vape) - neither of those are a coping mechanism. If you are drinking to cope, you have a problem and need to see a shrink.
StrangeOne 8 months ago
Cleaning, playing favourite games on my phone, drinking coffee, eating desserts and rolls, binging on my dvd series of King of The Hill, Daria and Little House on The Prairie. Next will be binging on the complete seasons of Highway To Heaven. Play my favourite video games, make a painting, reading, shopping, spending time with people I enjoy, researching harmful chemicals and products to avoid.
whineygingercat 8 months ago
Read, watch various crime drama, movies, multiple types of crafts - ie: cross-stitch, crochet, beadwork, sewing...
Tempest 8 months ago (edited)
I’m not against alcohol but I’ve never consumed any (by choice) or smoked (totally against it), but I know if I were to drink, with the mental health battles I have, I’ll definitely end up with an addiction. To cope I mostly just lie in bed and scroll endlessly on the Internet (BP!) or try to catch some sleep. Else something like listening to music, watching something (true crime 😉), going for a walk, drawing, or reading. However, the best mechanism I use would be spending time with my cat or taking the dogs for a walk. Massive serotonin boost!! I also keep a stash of small sweets (like M&Ms or Skittles) in a jar and take a few pretending they’re “chill pills”. Chocolate and ice cream also does the trick!
FlamingoPanda 8 months ago
Cold water swimming has really helped me cope with life. If I am down and stressed out then a quick plunge in the cold sea gives me a rapid reset.
Malek Basata 7 months ago
When I'm depressed I'd waste time wrestling my stuffed pet and apologize to it before bedtime 😭
Gianna B D 7 months ago
Assuming the kids are taken care of (eg asleep, with grandparents), I like to build with Legos. It makes me feel in control.
Scarlett 8 months ago
I lie in bed, isolate myself from my friends, and punish myself for being so useless and lazy by not eating and telling myself how much of a terrible person I am.
ConstantlyJon 8 months ago
My time to shine! As a good little pastor's kid growing up, I never smoked, did d***s, drank, had sex, partied, had fun, etc. As an adult, now I still don't drink because my wife's ex husband was an alcoholic so I never want her to even smell it on my breath or anything. I've still never had anything to drink in my life, never smoked or did d***s of any kind. Instead, I hit porn pretty hard when I was younger (surprise, surprise!). Once I did some recovery and got through that addiction, now I overeat, play too many games, watch youtube, and overwork. Still not great and I've lots of room to grow. But damnit sometimes I just need to watch a minecraft video.
Ash 8 months ago
I have PTSD, tho I'm mostly recovered. When something triggers me I curl up in bed (I work from home, so I can usually do this!), pull my blankets up, and have a little cry. Crying releases feel-good chemicals and allows me to express my feelings. Then I just try to be gentle with myself the rest of the day. Remind myself that I'm allowed to feel however I need to feel. Take breaks when I need to. (Luckily I've got a great job that allows me to take time off pretty much when I want to.) When I feel like I've expressed my emotions enough to myself and that now I'm encouraging them and wallowing, then I do something to distract myself, like go for a walk or watch some youtube while crocheting or something. I used to go for walks out in nature a LOT when I was dealing with more bipolar symptoms (too much energy at the same time as feeling depressed) because it burnt off energy, got me outside in the sun, distracted me, and gave me something beautiful to look at.
Trisec Tebeakesse 8 months ago
I quit my job and quit drinking on the same day. I've thrown myself full-bore into a new job, and have somewhat cut off my friends from the old place. All we did was go out after work and drink. This is no longer what I want out of my life.
Katarzyna Drozd 8 months ago
Here, more accurate tile: "how to exchange one unhealthy habit to another one instead finding a solution"
Jack Burton 8 months ago
Running if i feel stressed out but if i'm really depressed i just lay down on my bed listening depressing music
Carl Roberts 7 months ago
I watch Star Trek. No matter how many times I've seen the episodes, takes me right out of whatever is bothering me.
I Need More Espresso 7 months ago
If I have no willpower- chocolate, movies, nap and hope for a reset With willpower- walk the dog in a nearby park until I remember the wonderful things in life
Toothless Feline 8 months ago
Two things: I play with my cats, and I go to the bookstore and leave my payment methods in the car.
Tyranamar Seuss 8 months ago
Read. Scroll Bored Panda. Text friends. Play with kitties. But mostly read.
Kristal 8 months ago
I'm medicated! I have depressive periods regularly which usually last a week. My go to is Binge watching Netflix or some such. I don't normally like horror movies but I can watch them when I'm depressed, sometimes it actually helps me get out of the depression hole. I also do some gaming and eat food that make me feel happy (this can range from frozen blueberries to pizza) but I try to moderate how much (if I actually feel like eating or feeding myself). I talk to friends when I can and also see a therapist once a week. Oh! And gardening. Summer makes me more depressed but gardening actually makes it much more manageable.
KatSaidWhat 8 months ago
I drink and smoke (vape) - neither of those are a coping mechanism. If you are drinking to cope, you have a problem and need to see a shrink.
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