Useful Coping Skills

Coping skills are positive ways to help someone deal with stressful life situations and events.

Every person encounters trials and tribulations at some point of their lives.

Coping skills can include calming techniques as well as use of distraction skills.

Knowing how to respond is key!

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• Meditate (see Phone Apps page at the top of page)

• Exercise - walk, run, yoga, lift weights, ride your bike, or play a sport

• Take deep breaths

• Breathing exercises

• Stretch

• Listen to music, a podcast or an audiobook

• Journal or write a story

• Draw or doodle

• Get creative

• Think of a happy memory

• Talk to a friend or adult

• Slowly count to 10 forward and backwards

• Chew gum

• Watch TV or a movie

• Drink water

• Put a puzzle together

• Play an instrument

• Rip paper up

• Punch a pillow

• Use a stress ball or fidget

• Clean something

• Garden

• Get outdoors and get fresh air

• Take a hot or cold shower/bath

• Bake or cook something

• Do a crossword puzzle or sudoku

• Start a new hobby

• Diffuse essential oils or light a candle

• Pet an animal

• Go to a quiet place

• Push against a wall

• Squeeze and release your fist 5x

• Use positive affirmations

• Give someone a compliment

• Take a break

• Write a letter

• Turn off electronics

• Eat a healthy snack

• Go for a hike

• Learn something new

• Play a board game