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

Feeling low or sadis 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.

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 includedhealthy habits, that’s for sure, but most of them are extremely relatable.

Bored Pandareached out to licensed psychologistDr. 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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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. :).

“One of the main reasons people turn to smoking ordrinkingduring 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 andmedia portrayalscan 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.”

“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 andmedia portrayalscan 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.”

I self isolate pretty aggressively.

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.

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

Unhealthy habitslike 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 amental healthspecialist and let them help you!

“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 amental healthspecialist and let them help you!

Overeat.

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.

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

Chocolate.

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

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.”

Going out to eat at the park and watch cute animals especially cat and dogs.

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.

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

“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.”

Eat, sleep, cry, doom scroll for worse s**t.

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

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 👍.

Lie in bedeat a lot or nothing at allcry(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.).

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

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.”

Play games.

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

“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.”

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

Gym.

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

I journal, go for a walk, or call a friend for support.

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

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.”

“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.”

Eat cheesecake flavoured ice cream / sleep a lot.

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.).

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.

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

“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.”

“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.”

Cry and become a burden to those around me.

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

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

Eat pizza and then sleep.

If it’s nighttime, sleep.If it’s daytime, meditate.