Coping Skills: The Infinite Option

A coping skill is something an individual does that helps them feel better. Coping skill is an umbrella term, meaning many different things fall under it, and are considered a coping skill. Here is a large list of helpful coping skills. This is not a list of all the coping skills you could use, but it’s a start.

1. Go for a walk or run. 

2. Sit in nature. 

3. Color, draw, or paint. 

4. Craft.

5. Take photos of things in your general space that bring you joy. 

6. Hold a pillow and squeeze it to your body. Hold for 10. Release for 10. Repeat. 

7. Sprint back, and forth 3-5 times. Level it up by racing someone else. 

8. Pet/hold your pet. 

9. Play with your pet, cuddle them, or take them for a walk. 

10. Get out of the situation and go get a coffee/snack. 

11. Take a nap. 

12. Take a bath or shower. Cold, or hot depending on your vibe. 

13. Use the five senses while having a drink or snack. Sight/Sound/Touch/Taste/Feel.

14. Lay down on the floor, couch, or bed for 5-10 minutes while focusing on the weight of your body slowly sinking down with gravity. 

15. Call a friend or go to them. 

16. Journal your thoughts, and feelings down. 

17. Play a video game that you find calming. 

18. Listen to music. 

19. Start working on a puzzle. 

20. Pick a spot in your house and tidy it up. 

21. Do an act of kindness. Leave a kind review, give a compliment, or pay for the person behind you in line. Make your day while making someone else's. 

22. Take yourself on a date. 

23. Take a day trip to a place you’ve always wanted to go. 

24. Have a movie night. Grab popcorn, a cozy blanket, and a movie that feels right. 

25. Snap a rubberband. 

26. Rip up several pieces of paper into the smallest pieces you can. 

27. Bounce a ball. Try to change your speed from fast to slow. 

28. Get out the playdough or clay, and make some art. 

29. Go to your local library and pick out a new book. 

30. Cuddle a stuffed animal and tell it what is on your mind. 

31. Ask someone to read you a story. Have them try to make funny voices as they read for the different characters. 

32. Try to talk in an accent while running through random tasks. It will make the moment more lighthearted. 

33. Take a piece of paper and write down everything that is stressing you out. 

Remember, not every coping skill is for every person, everybody, or every situation. Try the ones that stick out to you. Feeling like giving yourself a challenge? Try to use a new coping skill each day for a week, or month. 

I hope you enjoyed this post!

-Sophie Butcher MSW, LMSW