Car Analogy

Think of the difference between self-care and coping skills as a car. Self-care is what you do to keep yourself well. (Eating well, sleeping, exercise). If you compare it to a car, it is the maintenance you do to prevent a break-down (Gas, oil change, etc.). The more you take care of your car (and yourself), the less likely it is to break down. Of course, sometimes things happen. For instance, you drive over a nail and get a flat tire. In life, that is when you need to use a coping skill, or intervention. Sometimes self-care can overlap with coping (For example, exercise is great for both!) But if you don't take care of yourself on a regular basis, you will be more likely to succumb to stress! Take care of yourself, first and foremost.