Another coping skill is DAYDREAMING. This is what someone does to escape unpleasant reality. It’s what we often do to escape reality in general… we dream of how a situation could be different and how our lives would be different if we were to make certain changes. It’s a coping skill this is often used in combination with relaxation techniques in working with anxiety.

When it is used as a COPING SKILL, you let go of reality. You see things in a different light/manner. This can be good if the situation is one to where you see no light at the end of the tunnel, and in goal setting. Daydream about your goals, make them big… then head on back to reality to see if it is possible to make a plan to make the daydream happen. It can be harmful if you need to stay in reality in order to manage a situation or life choice. As with other coping strategies it provides temporary relief to a real and current situation.

When this strategy becomes detrimental is when one escapes reality all together and lives in their daydreaming place. For example, someone has become in debt and instead of being proactive in working their way out of debt, they keep on purchasing big items, accumulate more credit cards, go on trips… as if there is nothing wrong with their spending. We can daydream how this turns out – talk about anxiety.

If you utilize daydreaming as a way to cope with the stresses of everyday life as well as with conflict in the workplace; do so sparingly. Use it for little escapes that allow you to re-fuel yourself or devise a plan, then tackle the stressful task at hand.

…more coping strategies to come.