I think it would be cool to do a video like "25 coping skill ideas" I spent a lot of time trying to find healthy coping skills and as usual over thought it to the point I figured there was no other skills I could do
I really wanted to talk about this question because I mention coping skills all the time, yet I am pretty sure I haven’t ever defined it or given you some ideas or options to help you get you started.
First, let’s define coping skill: A coping skill is any characteristic or behavioral pattern that enhances a person's adaptation. Meaning that if we feel stress all the time, we can create these defense mechanisms, or coping skills to help us better manage or lessen the stress. These can be distraction techniques or tools to help us process through all that we may be feeling. Due to the 2 types of coping skills, I am going to break these into 2 sections. The first section will be all distraction techniques! So let’s jump into these techniques!
Going for a walk - Getting some fresh air, moving your body and getting away from any of your unhealthy coping skills (like self injury tools, food to binge on, or alcohol to drink) can be a great distraction!
Painting your nails! - This works if you struggle with purging, self injury, as well as many other issues. It makes us focus on one thing, and then we can’t do much with our hands until it dries. And by then, maybe the intense stress or urge to act out has passed.
Blowing bubbles - yes I know children love this, but adults can too! It’s actually really relaxing to watch the bubbles grow and burst. I even have my patients imagine their issue is that bubble and when it pops let the bad or stressful thoughts go away too.
Read a good book or listen to a wonderful audiobook.
Exercise! Obviously this can only be done if it’s okay with our doctor and body. But moving and exercising regularly can lower our blood pressure, releases endorphins which can help boost our mood and reduce any pain we may be feeling.
Deep breathing or breathing techniques.
My breath of fire video: https://youtu.be/aT74nms0SBo
Watching your favorite show or video series.
Draw or doodle!
Color! Duh! You knew this one was coming. I love to color, and it is just such a great distraction. There’s something about the feeling of a crayon or colored pencil on paper that is so relaxing to me. So maybe give it a try and see if it works for you!
Do a crossword puzzle - or really any puzzle that you like.
Writing down some positive or motivational quotes and sticking them up all over your house.
Cleaning you house
Playing music or even creating new playlists!
And with that! Let’s move into the processing type of coping skills!
Write a friend a nice card -
Call or text a friend (calling is preferred)
Impulse logs!
Use feelings charts!
Journaling - You knew this one was coming :)
Sign up for my journal text club! https://create.getpurple.io/p/katimorton/
Feeling word collage - I have talked about these before too, but these are a great way to process through an emotion we may be experiencing.
Write down 2-3 things you like about yourself and your situation.
Talking to a therapist!
Taking stock of how an emotion feels in our body
Write a letter to our younger or older self.
Write letters to those who are upsetting us still (but never send them) you can of course tear them up or burn them or whatever, but it can help to get out all that you have been wanting or needing to say but never got the chance.

Please help transcribe and/or translate this video! http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw

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I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!

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