Coping

We all have to cope with everyday irritants like traffic, weather, fickle friends, money issues and the general messiness of life. But sometimes, we are faced with monumental problems like serious illness, death and loss.
There are many ways people cope. We’ve all heard of (or indulged in) comfort foods like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, chips and dip, ice cream sundaes or a margarita. Even though we know those foods don’t really heal a broken heart or assuage worry; they may provide a temporary vacation from whatever has placed us in anxiety’s icy grip.
Seeking out friends to talk about whatever is worrying us is another way to cope, as is seeking professional counseling or a support group. The comfort of other people who have dealt with similar problems is a healthy outlet for many. Then there’s exercise. Working out can make you stronger and the feel-good high at the end of a work out is up lifting.
I am sure there are literally hundreds of ways people cope with stress—everything from illegal drugs, to prescription “mother’s little helpers” to food to sex to friends and so on.
For me, a great coping mechanism is watching sit-coms. I am a sit-com junkie. Just check my TiVo if you don’t believe me. I tape all the Wednesday night comedies (Suburgatory, Modern Family, the Middle) and have been a fan of the Thursday night line –up since the days of Cheers. The Office has entertained me for years. I also have a few select half hour shows I enjoy and tape: Sand Masters, Rudy Maxa’s World and my newest obsession, The Big Bang Theory. The Big Bang Theory is escapist TV at its best for me—four nerds and a cute girl, good dialogue and actors with terrific comedic skills—what’s not to love? When I feel like I can’t cope for one more minute, a jolt of The Big Bang Theory or any of the other  shows I so loving tape, soothes me—nothing is expected of me except to sit there and watch and laugh. Good stuff—almost as good as chocolate ( or sex, the other chocolate)!
And isn’t it wonderful to watch a world where problems are little and can be solved in less than 30 minutes—unlike real life with all its messiness and stress?

About Kathy

I grew up in Buffalo,New York the second eldest child in a family that eventually included eight children. The neighborhood was an Irish-American enclave. These two facts explain a great deal about me. I spent many years as a teacher who really thought of herself as a writer.

9 Responses to Coping

  1. Marsha says:

    Love The Big Bang too!! Agree completely with you about just escaping into another world for just a few moments. It’s a good thing : ) Hugs, Marsha

  2. Donna says:

    I am a stress eater. I have thought about hypnosis to help me with my stress. However, I am a bit skeptical that I am able to be hypnotized.

  3. Dorothy M says:

    The Big Bang Theory is the one show I can genuinely laugh with and feel better when it’s over. Chocolate’s good, but Big Bang is healthier! I’m with you, Kathy.

  4. Lynn says:

    My son introduced us to The Big Bang. I love it for the same reasons. Problems are created and solved on TV in 30 minutes. In a movie, you can be born, meet the love of your life, earn an advanced degree, birth six children, write an award earning novel, divorce your husband and, marry again in an hour and 30 minutes. Life isn’t fiction. In order to have the high moments of life we must suffer the low moments. The trick is to remember the really good times while going through shit.
    Lynn

  5. Linda Young says:

    We do not watch many current TV sitcoms but we are Seinfelt junkies. Having discovered Seinfelt after the end of the original run, we sometimes watch one everyday! Even repeats are still funny. And what a lift of spirts!!

  6. Melanie says:

    Hi Kathy,
    I have been thinking about you as well as Dan, wondering how you both are coping. Glad to see you have found a way that helps you. Hope Dan has too. You both continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
    Melanie

  7. Eleanor T. Coan says:

    My favorite escape from stress is watching reruns of I Love Lucy. She had a way of making the most stressful thing seem easy to solve. I am glad you have found a way to help you with your stress.

  8. Betty Lisec says:

    I also love Big Bang Theory! In general I am not a big fan of sit-coms, but I was totally addicted to Wings and although not technically a sit-com the comic side of Monk also had me addicted! Miss that one so much!

  9. TThe Big Bang Theory was introduced to us by our Chiropractor and we get a kick out of it.
    Our prayers to you and Dan for coping.
    Blessings,
    Bobbi and Al Mastrangelo

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