15 Coping Skills for Stress
Here are 15 HEALTHY habits of positive coping skills exercises. I say "habits", because that is what they need to become.
You need to post these in a place you can think of when you are having your crisis moment.
Go to the list and read them one-by-one until you find the one that will work for you. These are healthy alternatives to the hurtful behavior we use to cope.
These 15 habits of coping will redirect your mind from the crisis you are in at the moment.
Coping With Depression - Anxiety
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Take a walk outside at a park or walking trail or go to a mall. Many times it just helps to change your surroundings.
Journal or draw your feelings. This was one of my all time favorites to do. I could write anything I felt or was going through and then I would choose to share that in therapy or just keep it private and only for me. Drawing is also a good release. I especially used colors in my drawings. I had my own box of color crayons, too! -
If you have a pet-play with them or just sit together and feel the unconditional love! If it is a dog, take them for a walk. If it is a cat, sit and listen to it purr. You pet could even be fish! I had a fish tank at one time and would sit and watch then swim. It was so peaceful.
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Go for a relaxing bike ride on a riding trail. Most of the trails are hidden away from the roads and can transport you to another world. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature!
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Join a gym. Not only can this help you with changing your surroundings, but it would be doing something good for yourself. Exercise is excellent for depression and anxiety!
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Do volunteer work. I did this at my local hospital and I felt so useful again. Not only was I doing something for myself, but I was helping others at the same time.
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Join an online or local support group. I tried this, but it proved too overwhelming for me. Only you can be the judge of this suggestion. I would give it a try and really listen to your voice inside as to if it will hurt or help you.
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Do a puzzle by yourself or with a friend or family member. Puzzles can be so much fun. You can choose a little one you can finish in one sitting or a larger one that you can come back to later.
These are just a few strategies for coping with stress. When you print this, write down some ideas of your own. Write them down, because you cannot think clearly when you are in that moment. It really helps!