Today’s coping tip is to find a new way to use one of your strengths or talents.
I asked someone for strengths recently. Most of those items are things that I use regularly in the same way. However, I did use one in a new way recently.
I am a hugger. Usually it’s a hello or goodbye hug with friends. Sometimes it’s a sympathetic hug for family when they’re down or sad. Recently I changed that.
I was at the gym for yoga and another guy was there, venting a bit about some struggles with the instructor. I see him there often, and I’ve said hi, but I don’t know him well. However, it just occurred to me to say “sorry” and ask if he needed a hug. He looked at me a bit strangely, but said sure.
I gave him one of my strong, long hugs. I try to hug for at least 5 seconds, and often 10. If you’ve never hugged someone for 10sec, try it. It’s great.
I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQL Server Central newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.