Coping Strategies

Coping Strategies (or Skills) are tools and techniques to help you handle difficult emotions, manage your thoughts, and decrease stress.

Need help with Coping Strategies?

Ask your School Counselor!

Remember to have an open-mind when trying new coping strategies. Not every strategy will work well for you, and that’s okay! What’s important is that you give it a try and notice how it makes you feel. You might be surprised at the strategies you end up loving the most!

Make a Coping Strategies Toolbox

Kids (and adults) need healthy coping strategies to help them deal with tough emotions, setbacks, and just everyday ups and downs.

Find your Toolbox
Like a box, container, or bag.

Fill it with your Coping Strategies
Write down your strategies or place Items inside (like bubbles, paper, crayons)

Coping Strategies

Find strategies that work for YOU!

Here are some ideas to add to your Coping Strategies Toolbox:

Challenge Negative Thoughts

Click the Above Picture for a list of 100 Positive Thoughts and a worksheet for listing your top 10 positive thoughts!

We can be very mean to ourselves in our own heads. Look at the facts! Ask yourself:

Is it true?
What proof do I have?
What is the worst thing that could happen?
Am I looking at the whole picture or just one part?
Could there be another explanation?
What is most likely to happen?

Deep Breathing

Learn more about the benefits and other forms of Deep Breathing.

Virtual Calm Down Room

Square Breathing

Trace your finger around a square as you breath.

Spend 3 seconds moving along each side.

Slow, Deep Breaths

Match your breathing to the image.

Take a deep breath in as it expands, and release it as it folds back down.

Mindfulness

Learn more about the benefits and forms of Mindfulness.

Virtual Calm Down Room

mindfulness Is...

Paying attention to something happening RIGHT NOW
Being in the present moment, not the past or future
Focusing on messages from your body to better understand ourselves

Mindfulness Helps With...

Focusing and Paying Attention
Relaxing and Calming Down
Improving your Understanding of your Body and Mind
Slowing Down to Appreciate Happy and Pleasant Moments 😸

Other Coping Strategies

Count to 10 - Give yourself 10 seconds before acting.
Do What Makes you Happy - Read a book, walk your dog, pet your cat, ride a bike, watch Netflix, talk to your best friend.
Eat - Have a healthy snack.
Exercise - Stand up and stretch, go for a walk, jog in place, dance, yoga, meditation.
Fidget - Use a fidget toy or Stress Ball to keep your hands active.
Fresh Air - Spend time outside, listen to nature sounds.
Get Creative - Draw, paint, color, decorate, sculpt, build, bake, play.
Get Space - Spend some time alone or with someone you love.
Hydrate - Drink a glass of cold water.
Laugh - Read a joke book, think of something funny, watch a funny video.
Journaling - Write down your worries, write a letter, make a gratitude list, list your positive qualities.
Music - Listen to relaxing sounds or music, hum your favorite song.
Positive Self-Talk - Say something kind to yourself, say "I can do this," keep a positive attitude, compliment yourself, use an "I" Statement, list 10 positives about you.
Read - Read a good book, read a magazine.
Recognizing your Emotions - identify your emotions, express your feelings to someone.
Rest - Ask for a break, take a nap, close your eyes and relax. Getting enough sleep is very important!
Smile - smile in the mirror, smile at others.
Sports - Join a team or play for fun.
Talk it Out - Ask a trusted friend for help, talk with someone you trust.
Vacation - Take a short or long break, visualize your favorite place.