50 Positive Coping Skills To Try When Times Get Tough

Being that May 22nd through May 26th is Mental Health Awareness Week, I thought I’d write this to help those who are suffering with mental illnesses learn to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm and whatever else they are dealing with.

There is a misconception fed by the mainstream media’s mockery of self-help and therapeutic strategies that ‘coping’ is only necessary in the wake of significant trauma or tragedy. Furthermore, we as a culture have grown to believe that coping only looks one certain way -- talking out our feelings reclined on a big, brown leather couch. And that is oh-so far from the truth. Healthy coping skills are any actions you individually take to lower your stress level in a healthy, nondestructive manner in any situation. That situation can be something life-altering, like the loss of a friend or family member, or it can be something as small as stressing over a test. Coping can look completely different for every person depending on their anxiety level in the situation and their personality. It’s time to remove the stigma from coping skills. We all use them more often than we may know. Coping is really just doing something for yourself to help curb stress and to help distract yourself from negative thoughts and urges. You are worth it, so allow yourself to explore what works for you. Some people hate shopping. Do what you love for your own mental health. The stress can wait. Here is a list of 50 healthy and positive coping skills:

1. Read
2. Go shopping! Retail therapy is the best therapy!
3. Clean or organize your area
4. Exercise! Go for a run or even a walk. Physical activity is important when dealing with mental health.
5. Study
6. Make a gratitude journal. There is always something to be thankful for!
7. Scream into your pillow. Sometimes all you need is a good scream to help you feel better!
8. Call a friend. A best friend is basically like a therapist, but for free :)
9. Eat healthy foods
10. Get enough sleep
11. Get involved in a worthy cause
12. Volunteer
13. Enjoy nature
14. Write a list of strengths
15. Journal. I always feel better after I write!
16. Take a hot and relaxing bath
17. Cry
18. Laugh
19. Go for a Starbucks run. A venti mango black tea or strawberry acaí refresher can always make me feel better!
20. Watch a movie or your favorite show on Netflix. I’m currently watching Scandal and I highly recommend it!
21. Spend time with friends or family
22. Listen to music
23. Give yourself a mani-pedi and makeover
24. Draw, paint, or color
25. Sing, dance, or act
26. Write poetry or songs
27. Make your bed
28. Sit in the sun
29. Squeeze an ice cube
30. Chew gum
31. Suck on a peppermint
32. Drink tea
33. Yoga
34. Rearrange your bedroom
35. Self-care
36. Make friendship bracelets
37. Find a quiet and safe place
38. Wash and style your hair
39. Watch the clouds float by
40. Stargaze
41. Bake
42. Contact a hotline or therapist
43. Meditate
44. Take deep breaths
45. Accept and become aware of what you cannot control in a situation, and focus on what you can control
46. Create a schedule for your day
47. Go for a drive
48. Make realistic goals
49. Stop dwelling on the past
50. Think positively

There are plenty more positive coping skills, but these are the ones I have found most helpful when dealing with hard times.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please take advantage of the following:

Mental Illness Hotline: 800-950-NAMI

Crisis Call Center: 800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863

Suicide Hotline: 800-784-2433

Eating Disorder Association Hotline: 800-931-2237

National Mental Health Association Hotline: 800-273-8255