Another Peek

When you want to overcome stress, you should consider using these 15 healthy positive coping skill exercises. Remember to print them and then post them somewhere, where they are noticeable when you are enduring a stressful episode.

Go to the list and read them one-by-one until you find the one that will work for you. These are healthy alternatives to the hurtful behavior we use to cope. These 15 habits of coping will redirect your mind from the crisis you are in at the moment.

Healthy Alternatives for Coping with Depression or Anxiety

1. Take a walk outside at a park or walking trail or go to a mall. Many times it just helps to change your surroundings.

2. Make yourself feel better by listening to some feel good music that can lift your spirits. Avoid angry music, since it stimulates the negative feelings you are trying to overcome.

3. Talk with supportive individuals. You can text, email or call someone you know is supportive of you as well as someone you can trust with your thoughts and feelings. It is essential that they are actually supportive of you since there are times when others think they are being helpful when really it only causes you more harm.

4. Watch a funny show/movie on video or DVD. I collect my favorite comedy shows on DVD and when I am having a “moment” I pull one out and it makes me laugh and get out of that moment.

5. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone. This one can become addicting, but it does make you happy to treat yourself to something that can take you to a happier time.

6. Treat yourself to lunch and invite a friend along. You might want to treat yourself and your friend to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make sure this friend is someone you trust and is supportive of you and then enjoy your visit.

7. Play a board or card game with yourself or a friend/family member. Even a computer game can be fun! This will help direct your mind away from what is upsetting you.

8. Take a break from therapy books and read a novel or other great non-therapy book. Take the time to be transported to another place and time by reading an interesting non-therapy book. Give yourself permission to take a therapy break.

9. Use a journal or drawing pad. You can get all your feelings out while drawing or journaling. These ideas are very popular with many individuals. Anything you feel or experience, you can write down or draw. You may choose to share it with others or you may wish to keep it private, for your eyes only. Get your own set of color pencils or crayons and release everything you have bottled up by drawing them out on paper.

10. Take time with your pet. If you have a pet, you can enjoy their feelings of unconditional love towards you. Sit with your pet or play with your pet. Take your canine companion for a walk, listen to the purring of your cat or watch the tranquil activity of your fish.

11. Go for a relaxing bike ride on a riding trail. Most of the trails are hidden away from the roads and can transport you to another world. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature!

12. Join a gym and exercise anxiety and depression away. This not only changes your surroundings it also helps you do something great for yourself.

13. Do volunteer work. I did this at my local hospital and I felt so useful again. Not only was I doing something for myself, but I was helping others at the same time.

14. Join an online or local support group. I tried this, but it proved too overwhelming for me. Only you can be the judge of this suggestion. I would give it a try and really listen to your voice inside as to if it will hurt or help you.

15. Do a puzzle by yourself or with a friend or family member. Puzzles can be so much fun. You can choose a little one you can finish in one sitting or a larger one that you can come back to later.

You may find these few coping skill exercises will help you overcome your negative feelings. Print it out and then write in any ideas you may have. They really are helpful when you are not thinking clearly. You can use them as powerful tools, since they are so helpful.