
The holidays are coming. This can be a stressful time and a fun time. Here are some coping strategies. Keep the ones you like, remove the ones you do not and add some to this list...
COPING SKILLS:
Phone a friend or relative - or stop by for a visit
Daydream
Meditate
Take a bath or shower
Help someone else
Go shopping for something you need
Think positive thoughts
Go for a car ride - or bike ride - or a walk
Think about someone who cares about you
Work to understand and accept your feelings
Apply logic to your situation
Organize things
Listen to music
Make social plans
Write in a diary or journal
Exercise
Talk yourself into a calmer state
Engage in a hobby
Think about things in a realistic way
Think about the happiness of others
Spend time with your pet
Focus on your breathing
Take a walk
Think about someone you care about
Remember that there are others in less fortunate circumstances
Pray
Ask someone for help
Imagine talking to your therapist
Focus on the feeling until it passes
Create something
Cook or bake
Plan the future
Sit down and relax
Look for elements of humor in what you feel
Remind yourself that you’ve gotten through difficult things before
Plan how to change the situation that led up to the feelings
Be around children
Get some sun
Sing
Engage in sports with others
Attend something entertaining like a movie or concert
Talk about it with someone
Get a massage
Play a musical instrument
Read something you find inspiring
Seek out sources of comedy
Involve yourself in your religion/spirituality
Clean, yes some find it helpful
Go to a location you find peaceful or harmonious
Try a new healthy food recipe
Contact a person from your past
Volunteer at something you find useful
Write a letter
Buy or pick some flowers
Visit a pet store, garden, or gadget store
Smile