100 Coping Skills

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.