100 coping skills
My therapist gave me a list of 99 coping skills. I added one. I thought this may be helpful if you don’t have money for a therapist or need a way to cope with things going on.
1: excercise (run, walk, etc.)
2: put on fake tattoos.
3: write (poetry, journal entry, story, etc.)
4: scribble/doodle on paper.
5: be with other people
6: watch a favourite tv show.
7: post on web boards. Answer others posts.
8: go see a movie.
9: do a wordsearch or crossword.
10: do schoolwork.
11: play an instrument.
12: paint your nails, do your makeup or hair
13: sing.
14: study the sky.
15: punch a punching bag/pillow.
16: cover yourself with bandaids where you want to self harm.
17: let yourself cry.
18: take a nap.
19: take a hot/cold shower or relaxing bath.
20: play with a pet.
21: go shopping.
22: clean something.
23: knit or sew.
24: read a good book.
25: listen to music.
26: try some aromatherapy (candle, lotion, room spray, etc.)
27: meditate.
28: go somewhere very public.
29: bake cookies or other treats.
30: alphabetize your CDs/DVDs/VHSs/books/records.
31: paint or draw.
32: rip paper into itty bitty pieces.
33: shoot hoops, kick a ball.
34: write a letter or send an email.
35: plan your dream room (colours/furniture).
36: hug a pillow or stuffed animal.
37: hyperfocus on something like a rock or your hand.
38: dance.
39: make a hot chocolate, milkshake or smoothie.
40: play with modeling clay or play dough.
41: build a pillow fort.
42: go for a nice, long car ride.
43: complete something you’ve been putting off.
44: draw on yourself with marker.
45: take up a new hobbie.
46: look up recipes and cook a meal.
47: look at pretty things, like flowers or art. Examine them.
48: create or build something.
49: pray.
50: make a list of blessings in your life.
51: read the bible.
52: go to a friend’s house.
53: jump on a trampoline.
54: watch an old, happy movie.
55: contact a hotline/therapist.
56: talk to someone close to you.
57: ride a bicycle.
58: feed ducks, birds or squirrels.
59: colour with crayons.
60: memorize a poem, song or play.
61: stretch.
62: search for ridiculous things on the internet. (Example: *your name* the hedgehog)
63: “shop” online (without buying anything)
64: colour coordinate your clothes.
65: watch fish.
66: make a CD/playlist of your favourite songs.
67: play the “15 minute game” (avoid something for 15 minutes, when time is up start again)
68: plan your wedding/prom/other event.
69: plant some seeds;) (had to lol. But actually plant seeds. It helps.)
70: hunt for your perfect home or car online.
71: try to make as many words as possible with your first/middle/last name.
72: sort through your photos.
73: play with a ballon.
74: give yourself a facial.
75: find some toys and play with them.
76: start collecting something.
77: play video/computer/phone games.
78: clean up trash from your local park.
79: perform a random act of kindness for someone.
80: text or call a friend.
81: write yourself a ‘I love you because…’ letter.
82: look up new words and use them.
83: rearrange furniture.
84: write a letter to someone you may never send.
85: smile at at least 5 people.
86: play with little kids (cousins, siblings, etc.)
87: go for a walk (with or without friends. Find a cool place to hangout.)
88: put a puzzle together.
89: clean your room.
90: try to do handstands, cartwheels, etc.
91: yoga.
92: teach your pet a new trick.
93: learn a new language.
94: move EVERYTHING in your room to a new spot.
95: get together with friends and play sports. 96: hug a friend/family member. 97: search online for new songs/artists. 98: make a list of goals for the week/month/year/next 5 years. 99: face paint. 100: watch animal live streams on YouTube.
