Overcome Stress Using These 15 Coping Skills
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.
Read this list one-by-one until you find the exercise that best works for you. These exercises are healthy alternatives to any kind of hurtful behavior we may use while trying to cope. You can redirect your mind away from the crisis you are experiencing while using these 15 coping skills.
Healthy Alternatives for Coping with Depression or Anxiety
1. Change your surroundings by taking a long walk. You can wall in the park at the mall or along walking trails.
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. Get some support. Call, text or email a supportive family member or friend. Make sure they are supportive, since there are times when family or friends may think they are helpful, when actually they cause us even more feelings that are hurtful. Find that person you can trust and talk with them.
4. Watch a funny show/movie on video or DVD. I collect my favorite comedy shows on DVD and when I am having a “moment” I pull one out and it makes me laugh and get out of that moment.
5. Have a special treat. Treat yourself to something special when you are feeling down in the dumps. This can help you feel better as well as create a happy moment for you.
6. Take yourself and a friend out to eat. You can treat yourself and a friend to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Ensure that the friend you do take is supportive and someone you can trust and then enjoy each other’s company.
7. Play a board or card game with yourself or a friend/family member. Even a computer game can be fun! This will help direct your mind away from what is upsetting you.
8. Read a good NON-THERAPY book/novel. I spent so much time reading therapy books; I forgot the joy of being transported to another time or place by reading a good non-therapy book. You need to give yourself permission to take a “therapy” break.
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. Join a gym and exercise anxiety and depression away. This not only changes your surroundings it also helps you do something great 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 a local or online support group. You will have to be the judge of how much of your personal information as well as your inner feelings online or locally for others to hear. Some individuals become too overwhelmed for this to be helpful, while others make good use of this resource. It is a personal decision. Listen to your inner voice to help you know whether this is a resourceful idea for you.
15. Puzzles are a great outlet when you are suffering from anxiety or depression. You can work a puzzle alone or with your family and friends. You may want to choose a small puzzle that you can complete in just one sitting or you may wish to work a large puzzle by having to return to it from time to time.
When you feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings, you will find that these coping skills exercises can be most beneficial to you. Print this out and then pencil in any of your ideas for coping with stress. Remember to post them somewhere that you will see them when you are experiencing a hard time, as they can be very resourceful for you.
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