Online Store15 Coping Skills for Relieving Stress
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.
Healthy Alternatives for Coping with Depression or 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. Talk with supportive individuals. You can text, email or call someone you know is supportive of you as well as someone you can trust with your thoughts and feelings. It is essential that they are actually supportive of you since there are times when others think they are being helpful when really it only causes you more harm.
4. Make yourself laugh, by watching your favorite comedy movie, DVD or video. You might collect some of your favorite funny shows when you are suffering through a stressful episode. Then sit down and watch them as you laugh your troubles away.
5. Treat yourself to something special. When you are feeling down, treat yourself to something that will make you feel better. Perhaps, something that takes you to happier time.
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. Card games or board games are fun. Play a game by yourself, such as a computer game or invite others to join you in a game. You can redirect your thoughts when you are upset by playing games.
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. Use a journal or drawing pad. You can get all your feelings out while drawing or journaling. These ideas are very popular with many individuals. Anything you feel or experience, you can write down or draw. You may choose to share it with others or you may wish to keep it private, for your eyes only. Get your own set of color pencils or crayons and release everything you have bottled up by drawing them out on paper.
10. Take time with your pet. If you have a pet, you can enjoy their feelings of unconditional love towards you. Sit with your pet or play with your pet. Take your canine companion for a walk, listen to the purring of your cat or watch the tranquil activity of your fish.
11. Relax while riding a bike. You may ride along trails that are hidden away from roads that can transport you to your own special and peaceful world. Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural settings around you.
12. Join a gym. Not only can this help you with changing your surroundings, but it would be doing something good for yourself. Exercise is excellent for depression and anxiety!
13. Volunteer to help. You might volunteer to work at your local hospital. This helps you feel useful while you will also be helping others, which is always a great feeling!
14. Join a support group, either locally or online. You might try this to see how it works for you, some individuals become overwhelmed. You must be the judge for this suggestion. You may want to try it, however listen to your inner voice as to whether it is a good idea for you personally.
15. Work a puzzle. You can work on a puzzle either alone or with friends and family. Puzzles are always fun activities. You may want a small one you can complete in one sitting or you may prefer a large puzzle that you can return to time and time again.
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.
