15 Coping Skills for Stress

by Cortnei Heaka

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. You may find the exercise that works best for you by reading this list one-by-one. Rather than practicing any type of hurtful behavior while you are trying to cope with stress, try practicing some of the exercises as a healthy alternative. You can use these 15 coping skills exercises to help you redirect your mind away from any crisis you are presently experiencing. Coping With Depression-Anxiety 1. Change your surroundings. Go for a long walk at the mall, on walking trails or at the park. 2. Make yourself feel better by listening to some feel good music that can lift your spirits. Avoid angry music, since it stimulates the negative feelings you are trying to overcome. 3. Call/text/email a SUPPORTIVE friend or family member. I emphasis supportive! When coping with anxiety attacks, sometimes friends and family members think they are helping us, but really they are hurting us. Find that special person you can trust. 4. Hold your own laugh fest, by collecting your most funny movies on DVD or video and then watch them until you do feel better. 5. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone. This one can become addicting, but it does make you happy to treat yourself to something that can take you to a happier time. 6. Take yourself out to lunch or invite a friend to go with you. I use to invite one of my best friends to breakfast. It was nice, because she was my one true friend I could trust and who I looked to for support. We always had a good visit. 7. Play a game of cards or a board game by yourself or with others such as family or friends. You may even enjoy playing a computer game to help redirect your mind from that which is upsetting. 8. Read a novel or other great non-therapy book. Take a break for reading therapy books. Allow a good book to transport you to another place and time while you read. You have permission to take a therapy break when you need it. 9. Get you feelings out by journaling or drawing. This is an all time favorite of many individuals. You can write anything you feel or the experiences you are going through. You can choose to keep it private or you may want to share it in therapy. Drawing is a great release. You may want to get your own color crayons or pencils to work with. 10. 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. 11. 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! 12. You can exercise your depression or anxiety away by joining a gym. This helps to change your surrounding, while doing something good and healthy for yourself. 13. Do some volunteer work at your local hospital or nursing home. You will be useful as well as have the opportunity to help others. Volunteering always feels good! 14. 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. 15. 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. You may find these few coping skill exercises will help you overcome your negative feelings. Print it out and then write in any ideas you may have. They really are helpful when you are not thinking clearly. You can use them as powerful tools, since they are so helpful.

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