| 15 Coping Measures to Relieve Your Stress |
| Written by Cortnei Heaka | |
| Monday, 18 May 2009 | |
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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.
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. Read this list one-by-one until you find the exercise that best works for you. These exercises are healthy alternatives to any kind of hurtful behavior we may use while trying to cope. You can redirect your mind away from the crisis you are experiencing while using these 15 coping skills. Coping With Depression-Anxiety 1. Change your surroundings. Go for a long walk at the mall, on walking trails or at the park. 2. Listen to music that makes you happy/feel good. Try to avoid "angry" music. This can just add to those bad feelings you are trying to get rid of. 3. Get some support. Call, text or email a supportive family member or friend. Make sure they are supportive, since there are times when family or friends may think they are helpful, when actually they cause us even more feelings that are hurtful. Find that person you can trust and talk with them. 4. Make yourself laugh, by watching your favorite comedy movie, DVD or video. You might collect some of your favorite funny shows when you are suffering through a stressful episode. Then sit down and watch them as you laugh your troubles away. 5. Treat yourself to something special. When you are feeling down, treat yourself to something that will make you feel better. Perhaps, something that takes you to 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. Card games or board games are fun. Play a game by yourself, such as a computer game or invite others to join you in a game. You can redirect your thoughts when you are upset by playing games. 8. Read a novel or other great non-therapy book. Take a break for reading therapy books. Allow a good book to transport you to another place and time while you read. You have permission to take a therapy break when you need it. 9. Get you feelings out by journaling or drawing. This is an all time favorite of many individuals. You can write anything you feel or the experiences you are going through. You can choose to keep it private or you may want to share it in therapy. Drawing is a great release. You may want to get your own color crayons or pencils to work with. 10. If you have a pet-play with them or just sit together and feel the unconditional love! If it is a dog, take them for a walk. If it is a cat, sit and listen to it purr. You pet could even be fish! I had a fish tank at one time and would sit and watch then swim. It was so peaceful. 11. Ride a bike and get some exercise and relaxation. There are hidden trails that you may wish to travel just to get away from it all. Allow these trails to transport you to a more peaceful atmosphere. Take in the wonderful sights and sounds of the natural world around you. 12. You can exercise your depression or anxiety away by joining a gym. This helps to change your surrounding, while doing something good and healthy 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 a support group, either locally or online. You might try this to see how it works for you, some individuals become overwhelmed. You must be the judge for this suggestion. You may want to try it, however listen to your inner voice as to whether it is a good idea for you personally. 15. Work a puzzle. You can work on a puzzle either alone or with friends and family. Puzzles are always fun activities. You may want a small one you can complete in one sitting or you may prefer a large puzzle that you can return to time and time again. 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. The Article Author: Cortnei Heaka is the owner and founder of "Overcoming and Beating Depression" website. For more tips on coping strategies please click here. For more information on how to beat depression, click here. |
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