How do you cope with the cost of living crisis?

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it was [aside from uncle sam's army] the only "real" job i've ever had.

I am very, very lucky to be where I'm at and have what I have right now. I live in subsidized housing and only pay for rent and internet. my electric bill has been entirely covered by assistance I receive specifically for my electric bill this year, I have not gone over and used up all of that money. I do not pay for heat here. I don't pay a phone bill, because I have SafeLink service.
I get food stamps and actually have a lot of extra because they've given me more since Covid and I eat really cheaply. I also only usually eat one real meal a day... but that's just my ADHD self. not a tip.
so, so far, I haven't had to do any real coping. but as I said, I'm incredibly lucky.
in the summer, I keep the blinds closed and use fans as much as possible instead of the air conditioner, because that's what's made my electric assistance run out quickly in the past. I don't mind the heat as much as most others do.
I also do not spend money on going out, at least not usually.

Me & my girlfriend are both disabled & have various gov benefits. The benefits overall do not keep up with inflation but it will be a lot worse when Social Security gets cut. I've been cutting down on buying snacks for us & we eat out a lot less than we used to. I've also cut down on personal spending which was not a lot before. I went into default on a couple credit-cards & just pay $25 a month to both of em. I'll still be in debt when I die at that rate but I don't own any property or have any income they can really take from me. There's various things we kinda need that I keep putting off buying because they can wait a tad longer. I need to start looking for a part time job but I have health issues I'm trying to afdress 1st.

You sound like you have a good thing going, MOONTRIPS.

I have not tried to cut heating or anything. Our thermostat is set to 18.5 C and my family would not be happy if it's any lower. There are many ways to stay warm cheaply, though. I use several layers of pure wool blankets (all thrifted) on my bed. They're toasty and heavy as hell and can be adjusted easily. If I'm going to sit down for a while I put on a warm fleece bathrobe. I also wear wool socks and shearling slippers. Honestly I'm too warm most of the time and wish winter would never end.

Some other ways of keeping warm are growing your hair (and beard) out during winter, or put on a beanie if you don't have much hair. And did you know that eating spicy food can boost your metabolism? I found that a hot peppered dish would make me extra warm for a couple days. Putting lotion or oil on your skin generally keep you warmer as well. In my experience it's probably easiest to stay warm by being active and keeping your metabolism high. I understand that probably requires eating more food, but it's a healthier way to be warm.

In a lot of places seniors can get free gym membership. I know people who would go everyday to socialize, relax and have hot showers. It's the warmest place they go and it's free. You can also sit in a public library or community center for hours if they're accessible. I used to go to a senior center for classes and cheap food. Shockingly you don't have to be a senior, everyone was welcome, but people didn't know that. Just saying if your home is dark and cold you don't have to spend a lot of time there.

where i live, things like public YMCAs and such are almost an hour drive away. so not practical.