10 Ways to Deal with Bullying

Bullying is a huge problem today. While it was something limited to the schoolyard in decades past, bullying has found new avenues to exhibit itself in modern society. It could be a co-worker or a boss, or someone online. It could even be a family member.

There is no reason to allow this behavior to cripple you. It may be hard to learn to stand up for yourself but failing to do so will have you pegged as a target your entire life.

Here are 10 ways to end and recover from bullying:

1. Tell someone.

The most important thing you can do to end bullying is to tell someone. This could be parents, a teacher, a best friend, a counselor. Once you tell someone, you can plan how to deal with it.

Juveniles need to tell someone older, like a teacher or parent. Bullying is one of those things that may be outside your skillset to fix but an adult will know what to do.

2. Learn how to feel better.

Bullying can ruin your self-esteem. Set action goals of what you can do to make yourself feel better and create self-worth within yourself.

3. Set goals.

Setting future goals gives your mind a different outlook and your body something physically to do to achieve them. It puts your thoughts in a different place away from what is going on right now and reminds you this will not always be your situation.

4. Get physical.

Exercise is always a good thing and it’s a great way to release negative emotions like anger or frustration.

5. Get support.

Allowing your friends and family to help you deal with this issue will make it easier to handle. They can also be your listening ear when you are feeling down or depressed and can help you work through a myriad of things from achieving goals to self-love.

6. Listen to music.

Music can lift you and you should use it for that. However, be careful of the music you allow in your life. Some of it is extremely negative and can lead to depression and low self-worth. Make sure the music that enters your ears is uplifting and positive. Your brain is like a computer. Remember, garbage in, garbage out.

7. Socialize.

This may be challenging because you may be self-conscious or feel like being around others could put you into a situation with the bully. Don’t let those fears stop you. Have some fun with family and friends.

8. Look to a doctor.

Your family physician is there to help you if you need a referral or medication to ease anxiety.

9. Watch what you think.

There are times you may start thinking negatively. Be aware of when that happens and capture that though. Don’t let it dwell in you. Push it away.

10. Give your love away.

Many times, doing something for someone else makes you happy. It fulfills you. It also takes your mind off your problems. Try volunteering. You could also help out a family member or friend with something they need. It will mean something to them and you.

These ideas won’t make the bullying disappear. They will help you deal with the situation and work your way through to resolve it. Remember, most people you deal with now will not be in your life in five years so the situation could resolve itself.