Essential Coping Skills

Having a moment? Need a coping skill, but can’t figure out what to do? Use anything from this list of 15 basic coping skills to bring the volume down on your thoughts and feelings. 

1. Take 10 deep breaths

2. Get outside to get fresh air

3. Call a loved one

4. Listen to music

5. Take a shower

6. Write in a journal

7. Distract yourself

8. Meditate

9. Engage in something creative

10. Change your environment

11. Cuddle an animal or person you love

12. Clean or organize your space

13. Exercise or stretch your body

14. Do an activity that brings you joy

15. Ride the wave of your emotion

Bookmark this Mental Health Moment to use the next time you need to cope!

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Bethany Kriegel, LMHC, earned her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Boston College. She has experience working with adults in residential treatment settings, helping those struggling with eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other issues.

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