Here are 15 healthy positive coping skill exercises you should incorporate as habits in your life for relieving stress. Print them out and then post them in an area you will see while having a stressful episode.
Read this list one-by-one until you find the exercise that best works for you. These exercises are healthy alternatives to any kind of hurtful behavior we may use while trying to cope. You can redirect your mind away from the crisis you are experiencing while using these 15 coping skills.
Healthy Alternatives for Coping with Depression or Anxiety
1. Change your surroundings by taking a long walk. You can wall in the park at the mall or along walking trails.
2. Turn on some happy, feel good music to uplift your spirits. Avoid using angry music, since it will compound any negative feelings you are trying to overcome.
3. Call/text/email a SUPPORTIVE friend or family member. I emphasis supportive! When coping with anxiety attacks, sometimes friends and family members think they are helping us, but really they are hurting us. Find that special person you can trust.
4. Watch a funny show/movie on video or DVD. I collect my favorite comedy shows on DVD and when I am having a "moment" I pull one out and it makes me laugh and get out of that moment.
5. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone. This one can become addicting, but it does make you happy to treat yourself to something that can take you to a happier time.
6. Treat yourself to lunch and invite a friend along. You might want to treat yourself and your friend to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make sure this friend is someone you trust and is supportive of you and then enjoy your visit.
7. Play a game of cards or a board game by yourself or with others such as family or friends. You may even enjoy playing a computer game to help redirect your mind from that which is upsetting.
8. Read a novel or other great non-therapy book. Take a break for reading therapy books. Allow a good book to transport you to another place and time while you read. You have permission to take a therapy break when you need it.
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. If you have a pet-play with them or just sit together and feel the unconditional love! If it is a dog, take them for a walk. If it is a cat, sit and listen to it purr. You pet could even be fish! I had a fish tank at one time and would sit and watch then swim. It was so peaceful.
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. Do some volunteer work at your local hospital or nursing home. You will be useful as well as have the opportunity to help others. Volunteering always feels good!
14. Join a local or online support group. You will have to be the judge of how much of your personal information as well as your inner feelings online or locally for others to hear. Some individuals become too overwhelmed for this to be helpful, while others make good use of this resource. It is a personal decision. Listen to your inner voice to help you know whether this is a resourceful idea for you.
15. Do a puzzle by yourself or with a friend or family member. Puzzles can be so much fun. You can choose a little one you can finish in one sitting or a larger one that you can come back to later.
You may find these few coping skill exercises will help you overcome your negative feelings. Print it out and then write in any ideas you may have. They really are helpful when you are not thinking clearly. You can use them as powerful tools, since they are so helpful. - 23802
Read this list one-by-one until you find the exercise that best works for you. These exercises are healthy alternatives to any kind of hurtful behavior we may use while trying to cope. You can redirect your mind away from the crisis you are experiencing while using these 15 coping skills.
Healthy Alternatives for Coping with Depression or Anxiety
1. Change your surroundings by taking a long walk. You can wall in the park at the mall or along walking trails.
2. Turn on some happy, feel good music to uplift your spirits. Avoid using angry music, since it will compound any negative feelings you are trying to overcome.
3. Call/text/email a SUPPORTIVE friend or family member. I emphasis supportive! When coping with anxiety attacks, sometimes friends and family members think they are helping us, but really they are hurting us. Find that special person you can trust.
4. Watch a funny show/movie on video or DVD. I collect my favorite comedy shows on DVD and when I am having a "moment" I pull one out and it makes me laugh and get out of that moment.
5. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone. This one can become addicting, but it does make you happy to treat yourself to something that can take you to a happier time.
6. Treat yourself to lunch and invite a friend along. You might want to treat yourself and your friend to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make sure this friend is someone you trust and is supportive of you and then enjoy your visit.
7. Play a game of cards or a board game by yourself or with others such as family or friends. You may even enjoy playing a computer game to help redirect your mind from that which is upsetting.
8. Read a novel or other great non-therapy book. Take a break for reading therapy books. Allow a good book to transport you to another place and time while you read. You have permission to take a therapy break when you need it.
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. If you have a pet-play with them or just sit together and feel the unconditional love! If it is a dog, take them for a walk. If it is a cat, sit and listen to it purr. You pet could even be fish! I had a fish tank at one time and would sit and watch then swim. It was so peaceful.
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. Do some volunteer work at your local hospital or nursing home. You will be useful as well as have the opportunity to help others. Volunteering always feels good!
14. Join a local or online support group. You will have to be the judge of how much of your personal information as well as your inner feelings online or locally for others to hear. Some individuals become too overwhelmed for this to be helpful, while others make good use of this resource. It is a personal decision. Listen to your inner voice to help you know whether this is a resourceful idea for you.
15. Do a puzzle by yourself or with a friend or family member. Puzzles can be so much fun. You can choose a little one you can finish in one sitting or a larger one that you can come back to later.
You may find these few coping skill exercises will help you overcome your negative feelings. Print it out and then write in any ideas you may have. They really are helpful when you are not thinking clearly. You can use them as powerful tools, since they are so helpful. - 23802
About the Author:
Cortnei Heaka is the owner and founder of "Overcoming and Beating Depression" website. For more tips on coping strategies please click here. For more information on how to beat depression, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment