Simple but Effective Coping Skills
Take deep breaths!
Listen to music
Take a walk
Watch a movie or funny cat video
Play a board or card game
Write down what you are thankful for (keep adding to it / reading it often)
Pet or adopt an animal
Take a hot bath
Go swimming or take a bike ride
Create some art (coloring books count)
Read a book or article
Write down a few of your positive qualities
Find humor in every-day moments
Make quality time for those that matter most to you
Follow a new recipe
Make a new friend
Call, visit or write friends or family
Be patient and non-critical of yourself (and others)
Dream about the future / Create a path-to-happiness plan
Learn lessons from the experiences of yourself and others
Face your fears / obstacles / challenges
Look up! (Find faith, humility, hope and strength)
Do something kind for someone else (and continue this regularly)
Take or teach a community class on anything
Write or type into a journal
Dance
Play or watch sports
Watch a cartoon or movie you liked as a child
Think over various solutions (when you are calm)
Sing your favorite song
Send a thank you note
Find a new hobby (and stick with it)
Add some spontaneity to your life (especially if it has too much routine)
Do home and yard improvements
Share your thoughts and feelings
Make more quality time for your children (time is what all kids want more than anything else)
Improve your communication skills (including empathy and listening skills)
Volunteer your time or talents (volunteermatch.org, Church, PTSA, Humane Society, etc)
Set boundaries where needed
Tell someone that you care or that you are glad they are in your life
Ask for that raise
Take a scenic drive
Plan a low-key get-together
Find your purpose
Go to Church (or go back to Church)
Ask someone how they are doing especially if you haven't heard from them in a while (don't wait for them to reach out first)
Travel somewhere new
Don't dwell too long on the negatives in your life
Put order and organization where needed in your life
Listen to good advice from others
Read the Bible
Forgive yourself or someone else
Write a book, screenplay, poem or song
Give yourself permission to be yourself (so many try so hard to 'be cool' for decades: it's better to be authentic and you'll be much happier for it!)
Make a list of your stressors on the left side of the page and what you are doing about each one on the right side of the page
Join a cause or mission that matters to you
Pray
Ask others to pray for you (or submit your prayers online here or to a 'prayer wall')
Remind yourself you have been through tough times before and survived!
Remind yourself you are stronger than you think you are!
Do not be afraid to ask for help; it takes courage but signifies your strength
Believe that your best days are ahead (because they are)!
Remember that each day is a 'fresh start'...it's never too late to start writing a new chapter of your life story: (What do you wish your life looked and felt like? Be proactive and make things happen! Don't just wait for life to happen to you then react.)
Call 988 if you are in crisis and/or think about what to discuss at your next session
When you are overwhelmed in the moment, it's hard to remember what activities could help you relax. I would be happy to help you or your family find balance and peace. Feel free to reach out for an appointment today.
