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Student Life

If You Don't Have A Coping Kit, Grab A Box And Put These 11 Things In It

4. A cheering-up book, like '14,000 Things To Be Happy About'

Emma S. Callihan

Nov 13, 2018

Eastern Michigan University

166

Instagram

When I was 14-years-old, I was hospitalized for my mental health. I learned a plethora of coping skills, but the one that stuck with me the most was having a coping kit.

Coping kits are meant to distract you and calm you down. They're full of things for all five of your senses, from candy to lotion to coloring books and more.

1. Something with some flavor

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I have jolly ranchers and gum in mine! Sometimes it's nice to indulge on something sweet and small when you're stressed out.

Jolly ranchers and gum are individually packaged to prevent binge-eating, but do whatever fits you best!

2. Coloring books

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Coloring books are a must! There are cheap mindfulness, therapeutic, funny coloring books pretty much anywhere! You can also print off coloring sheets as well!

3. A nice stress ball

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Keep your hands busy, and get your anger out, with a nice stress ball toy!

4. A cheering-up book, like '14,000 Things To Be Happy About'

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Highlight the things that make you happy, and remind yourself that even the smallest things can bring crazy amounts of joy!

5. Local and national helpline numbers

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You never know when it all could become a little to much. Keep some resources in your coping kit, just in case.

6. Letters from friends or family

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Tell your friends and/or family that you're making a coping kit, and ask for some letters from them! These should be encouraging and uplifting words from the people closest to you. Look back on them and remember how loved you are!

7. Play-doh or slime

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Yes, we're throwing it back to kindergarten. Grab something that you can shape and mold and hold. This will keep your hands and your senses busy!

8. Happy photos

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Add photos from your childhood or past that make you happy. Keep photos of friends, family, pets, and vacations that help you perk up. Memories are a powerful tool if you use them right!

9. DBT/CBT worksheets

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Print off some worksheets or order a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) books! These workbooks can teach you coping skills, remind you of your coping skills, and help clear your mind. They're always an amazing resource to have!

10. Scented stuff for your body

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Keep some self-care items in your box! Add a bath bomb, or a face mask, or some nice scented lotion. Try some hand sanitizer from B&BW or a sugar scrub. Treat your body well, and it will treat you better!

11. Your favorite movie

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There's never a bad time for a good movie!

Anybody that has stress (college kids, practically anybody) can benefit from a coping kit...so get your hands on a shoe box and fill 'er up!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

If You Don't Have A Coping Kit, Grab A Box And Put These 11 Things In It

4. A cheering-up book, like '14,000 Things To Be Happy About'

1. Something with some flavor

2. Coloring books

3. A nice stress ball

4. A cheering-up book, like '14,000 Things To Be Happy About'

5. Local and national helpline numbers

6. Letters from friends or family

7. Play-doh or slime

8. Happy photos

9. DBT/CBT worksheets

10. Scented stuff for your body

11. Your favorite movie

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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