100 Coping Skills to Try for Resiliency

The Importance of Coping Skills

Life can be incredibly challenging at times, filled with stressors and obstacles that can impact our mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or the daily pressures of work and personal life, having a set of effective coping skills is essential. Coping skills help us manage our emotions, reduce stress, and improve our overall mental health. They empower us to navigate difficult situations, build resilience, and foster a sense of control over our lives. By incorporating various coping strategies into our daily routine, we can enhance our ability to handle life’s ups and downs more effectively and maintain a healthier, more balanced state of mind.

A good way to know if a coping skill is for you is if you can forget about your anxiety or stress for the time you are completing that activity. Your worry should be able to fade into the background for a short period of time, giving your mind a break.

Circle or highlight the ones you want to try:

1. Deep breathing exercises

2. Meditation

3. Journaling

4. Exercise

5. Yoga

6. Listening to music

7. Reading a book

8. Taking a walk in nature

9. Practicing gratitude

10. Talking to a friend

11. Attending therapy

12. Progressive muscle relaxation

13. Visualization techniques

14. Art therapy

15. Gardening

16. Cooking a favorite meal

17. Watching a movie or TV show

18. Playing a musical instrument

19. Dancing

20. Engaging in a hobby

21. Aromatherapy

22. Practicing mindfulness

23. Drinking a calming tea

24. Taking a warm bath

25. Using a stress ball

26. Petting an animal

27. Joining a support group

28. Setting boundaries

29. Practicing positive affirmations

30. Doing a crossword puzzle

31. Knitting or crocheting

32. Volunteering

33. Cleaning or organizing a space

34. Writing a letter

35. Laughing or watching something funny

36. Taking a nap

37. Doing a puzzle

38. Playing a board game

39. Engaging in deep conversations

40. Practicing Tai Chi

41. Using grounding techniques

42. Practicing self-compassion

43. Setting goals and making plans

44. Learning something new

45. Doing breathing exercises

46. Practicing acceptance

47. Drinking water

48. Eating a healthy snack

49. Limiting caffeine and sugar

50. Practicing forgiveness

51. Spending time with loved ones

52. Practicing relaxation techniques

53. Engaging in creative writing

54. Watching the sunrise or sunset

55. Taking a digital detox

56. Practicing spiritual or religious activities

57. Engaging in self-reflection

58. Playing video games

59. Visiting a museum or gallery

60. Practicing assertiveness

61. Using a weighted blanket

62. Doing a random act of kindness

63. Taking a vacation or staycation

64. Exploring a new place

65. Practicing time management

66. Using humor to cope

67. Engaging in physical touch (hugs, holding hands)

68. Creating a vision board

69. Practicing deep listening

70. Doing something kind for yourself

71. Reading inspirational quotes

72. Engaging in a creative project

73. Creating a daily routine

74. Making a gratitude jar

75. Practicing self-care rituals

76. Writing a list of things you’re proud of

77. Spending time in a favorite place

78. Exploring your city

79. Practicing progressive relaxation

80. Engaging in sensory activities (playdough, slime)

81. Doing a digital detox

82. Practicing breath control

83. Learning a new language

84. Creating a bucket list

85. Engaging in positive self-talk

86. Practicing loving-kindness meditation

87. Building a support network

88. Reading self-help books

89. Engaging in community activities

90. Practicing visualization

91. Doing a body scan meditation

92. Writing a poem

93. Spending time in a garden or park

94. Learning about mindfulness

95. Practicing guided imagery

96. Exploring relaxation apps

97. Visiting a quiet place

98. Engaging in reflective journaling

99. Practicing balance exercises

100. Doing a creative photoshoot

Using Coping Skills Everyday

Implementing coping skills into your life is not just about managing stress or getting through tough times; it’s about fostering a resilient, balanced, and fulfilling life. By regularly practicing coping strategies, you can enhance your emotional regulation, improve your mental health, and build a toolkit for navigating life’s inevitable challenges. These skills can help you maintain a sense of control, reduce the impact of stressors, and improve your overall well-being. Whether through mindfulness, physical activity, creative expression, or social connection, incorporating coping skills into your routine can lead to a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. Take the time to explore and adopt these strategies, and you’ll likely find yourself better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.