Coping Strategies
Use these strategies when you need a break
or start to feel overwhelmed
In your workspace at home:
Get a drink of water
Set a timer and walk for 2 minutes
Take 15 deep breaths
Count quietly to yourself
Positive self-talk
Stretch
Play the 54321 game (Name 5 things you can see right now, 4 things you can feel right now, 3 things you can hear right now, 2 things you can smell right now, 1 thing you can taste right now)
Look out the window
Place your pencil on your desk, close your eyes and relax your shoulders
Ask for help
CREATE
Draw, color or paint
Use Playdough
Imagine a favorite place
Cook or Bake
Write down what is bothering you, crumble it up and throw it away
Stare at a picture and make a story about it
Make a collage or vision board
Make or play with slime
Weave, knit or crochet
Make up a song, rap, rhyme or dance
Make origami
Build something or play with Legos
Look at or take pictures
Do a puzzle
At Home
Read
Nap
Play with a pet
Clean, declutter or organize
Talk to a friend or an adult about what is bothering you
Blow out a candle
Scream into or punch a pillow
Listen to music
Watch T.V.
Spend time in your room
Hug a loved one or a teddy bear
Throw a deck of cards and pick them up in order
Rip up an old phone book or newspaper
Cry
Meditate or try guided imagery
Practice self care i.e. sleep, healthy eating, exercise, etc.
Outside
Listen to the ocean
Ride a bike
Yard Work
Play
Throw ice cubes outside
Break sticks, garden, or plant a tree
Ride a skateboard
Help someone
Throw, kick or bounce a ball
Go for a hike, walk or run
Exercise