 Life's a roller coaster of ups and downs. Sometimes it's the little things, like flat tire or a party that gets cancelled. Other times it's bigger challenges, like not getting accepted into your dream study program or dealing with the illness of a loved one. The way you handle this stress and these setbacks is called coping. You might not realize it, but you already use coping strategies. They've helped you in the past so you repeat what you did then. But what if you learn to consciously use coping strategies? Then you'll become much more resilient and better able to deal with setbacks. There are four coping strategies. One, you can seek support from someone else. Show them your emotions and ask for advice and understanding. Two, use your problem-solving skills and make a plan on how to deal with the setback. Three, avoid the setback and distract yourself by focusing on activities like gaming or by being overly critical of yourself. Last, accept what's happening. Sometimes things just don't go your way. Which strategy works best depends on you, your situation and your environment. If you're not sure, try taking the following four steps. Recognize that you're in a difficult situation. Ask yourself what you're feeling and thinking. Consider how you can handle the situation. Choose a strategy that works for you and implement it. Is it working? If not, go back to step three and try a different strategy. One more tips? Click here.