Powering through Pressure

Chapter Three

Developing coping tactics that work

The problem is never the problem – the coping is the problem.

VIRGINIA SATIR

In the short term, we all develop our own preferred ways of conserving or recharging our energy throughout a working day and week. These are often referred to as coping tactics, as they help us to slow the effects of pressure or deal with it in ways that mean we reach the end of the day or the weekend in a reasonably healthy state. One of your tasks, if you are to be successful in surviving tough days and weeks, is to consider what you are currently using as coping tactics and check whether they are helping you to, at least, hold your own.

From my clients’ experience, these are some of the more common coping tactics ...