Whether it’s going back to work after a long period of time off. Knowing the world or your country has gone to shit. Feeling like your life is stagnant. We all need to cope some to get it through and make it another day.
I personally eat, it’s not a good way to cope since it can lead to health issues but it sometimes helps.
I also sometimes re-watch or re-listen to things over and over. Of things that make me feel a little comfortable to watch and listen to again. YouTube videos I hadn’t watched in a while, songs I haven’t listened to forever or maybe go another few rounds of listening to an old podcast long out of syndication.
I try to create - drawing, making music, sewing, repairing appliances, learning how to do new things. Single-player games (video or board) are a nice way to unwind and distract your mind while still keeping it challenged. I am lucky enough to have a couple chill days who like to snuggle, and that snuggling helps way more than I ever thought.
What are some good single player board games?
This is a solid list with descriptions so you can figure out if the theme and game play is appealing to you: https://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/single-player-board-games/
Wingspan is on the list, and while it’s pricy, it’s a lovely engine-building game that can get very involving. A couple of my friends were obsessed with this one for a few years.
I’d also add Sagrada, another pretty game where you work within set parameters to match dice colours & pips to “build” stained glass windows. It can be challenging and requires strategy and a little luck, but again, very involving and satisfying.
There’s also a single-person dungeon crawler from an indie developer that you can take anywhere: https://gladdendesign.com/products/paper-apps-dungeon
And if you don’t mind screen time, there are a surprising number of board games on Steam, with online play options so you can play with others.
Cope?
The state of socialism around the world hasn’t had a better year than this one and it’s only going to get better, unless AI will make communism possible and popular.
I distract myself with video games usually. Takes the mind off of the day to day things.
But if I don’t have the energy, sometimes curling up on the couch with a blanket and a drink and watching Youtube or movies or something is nice.
it’s my teammate
I don’t need to cope. I like my job. My country has always been shit. My life isn’t stagnant.
Drugs. Lots of drugs.
Cry
I’m a traditional sort of guy: weed and alcohol.
CBD gummies for me, but yes, samsies. Cheers!
Lift weights! Genuinely super fun to track the progress over time. Bonus effect: lazing around in bed the rest of the weekend is no longer wasting your life; you’re now resting and building muscle!
if i dont get halfway decent exercise i don’t sleep well, if i don’t sleep well i get depressed, stability for me starts with physical activity. that and blowing fat clouds of gas
Alcohol and drug use aside, I have changed a few things about myself and my routine that have helped me tremendously. Maybe they can help you, or someone else:
- Cook for yourself. Find some simple recipes for wholesome meals (i.e. wholesome in the sense that it meets your nutritional requirements, and that you make it yourself most from scratch).
- I tend to focus on lean meats, high protein, and green veggies.
- Set aside one or two hours in your day for just yourself. Play video games, read a book, watch a movie, or take a walk. The idea is to scratch a personal itch you would otherwise deny yourself because of responsibilities or “lack of time”.
- Naps. If you can, try to take a nap each day. Try to stay with 20-30 minutes, but recognize like any habit/hobby, it takes time to get it right.
- I’ve gotten to the point where I’ll set a 30 minute timer and only actually nap for 20 minutes.
- Meditation. I usually do this when I nap or go to sleep for the night. I have a pair of Bluetooth headphones that are in a headband (for sleeping), and I’ll cue up an hour long ASMR or guided sleep video. The guided sleep ones are real good because they teach you box breathing, and help keep your mind focused on yourself so it doesn’t wander into the things that keep you awake.
- Develop a regular cleaning schedule. Not only will it keep your house clean and tidy, but it allows you to focus your energy into something productive and positive.
- I use my Notes app to create my to-do lists, and check things off as they get done.
- If I do something not on my list, I add it and immediately check it off; having a really long list checked off feels real good.
- I don’t care if I get my list done in a day or week. It’ll get done.
- Cook for yourself. Find some simple recipes for wholesome meals (i.e. wholesome in the sense that it meets your nutritional requirements, and that you make it yourself most from scratch).
Bike riding, video games, wildlife photography, tech tinkering, cooking, baking, reading. Basically keep myself busy with stuff that is broadly non-self destructive.
I make art. For myself, for others, whatevers. Anything to keep my hands busy and away from doomscrolling.
Also, video games.
Well I smoke weed yeah but it’s not my only way to cope. I go on walks when the weather is nice and sometimes I bury myself in my studies. Reading as well can be a form of escapism but I find that reading about why the world is the way it is also helps. Talking about it with people who’s judgement I respect and who respect my own is likewise fulfilling. I’m lucky to have these people, I might have gone insane by now if the only people who understand my POV were online. I have some experience with IRL political organizing and this has helped to find a sense of purpose, actually helping others who need it even in small ways while the world falls apart goes a long way for my mental health. I wish I had more time for it but academia takes up so much of my energy.
I take deliberate breaks from stuff like Lemmy and the news. I only came back here after a multi-month break this month. It works.
