Stress ; and Types of healthy coping skills

1. self-soothing

Comforting yourself through the 5 senses

Touch:  stuffed animals, stress balls, taking a bath, a soft blanket

Hear:  music, audio book, guided relaxation

See:  snow globe, glitter, calming images, art, anything that pleases you visually 

Taste:  tea, mints, gum

Smell:  lotion, candles, incense 

2. Distraction

Removing your focus from the stressor for a period of time

puzzles, art, crafting, reading, movies, gaming, exercise, being social

3. Opposite action

Doing the opposite of the impulse that aligns with a positive emotion

affirmations, inspiration, lighthearted and encouraging focus

4. Emotional awareness

Identifying and constructively expressing what you’re feeling

journaling, listing emotions, using a emotional identification chart, drawing, therapy

5. Mindfulness

Centering and anchoring yourself to the present moment

meditation, guided relaxation, yoga, breathing exercises, candle gazing, going for a walk

6. Ask for help

This is important to do when you feel like your coping skills are not enough or they are too negative and detrimental  

therapy is ideal for helping a person create a healthy coping strategy and incorporate it into their life 

*a coping skill is considered healthy if it helps you to deal with stress more positively, does not hinder your progress, and isn’t harmful physically or mentally. A coping skill can become negative when it is used to completely avoid dealing with the stressor.