To cope means to deal effectively with something difficult. A coping strategy is a plan that helps you to get through a hard time in life. When deciding on a strategy to use, “effectively” is the key word from this definition to remember. A good coping strategy is one that helps you to overcome a stressor in life, not one that hides it or creates a new problem.

For example, baking and eating cookies might comfort you in a moment of struggle, but using this as a consistent coping strategy might cause you to have health problems in the long run. A better coping strategy might be to use your love of cooking to prepare a delicious and healthy meal to enjoy with your friends or family.