Stress : 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.

​