In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s a list of positive coping skills from Special Tree Neuropsychology team that may help when you're experiencing strong emotions such as anger, anxiety, or depression. The purpose of these activities is to help you learn to be more resilient and stress tolerant. These activities are not likely to create more stress or problems so give them a try! Learn more about Special Tree's Neuropsychology services here.

Diversions

1. Write, draw, paint, photography

2. Play an instrument, sing, dance, act

3. Take a shower or a bath

4. Garden

5. Take a walk, or go for a drive

6. Watch television or a movie

7. Watch cute dog videos on YouTube

8. Go shopping

9. Clean or organize your environment

10. Read

11. Take a break or vacation

Social/Interpersonal (with others)

1. Talk to someone you trust

2. Set boundaries and say "no"

3. Write a note to someone you care about

4. Be assertive

5. Use humor

6. Spend time with friends and/or family

7. Serve someone in need

8. Care for or play with a pet

9. Role-play challenging situations with others

10. Encourage others

Cognitive (Of the Mind)

1. Make a gratitude list

2. Brainstorm alternative solutions

3. Keep an inspirational quote with you

4. Be flexible

5. Write a list of goals

6. Act opposite of negative feelings

7. Write a list of pros and cons for decisions

8. Reward or pamper yourself when successful

9. Write a list of strengths

10. Tension Releasers

11. Exercise or play sports

12. Catharsis (yelling into a pillow, punching a punching bag)

13. Cry

14. Laugh

Physical

1. Get enough sleep

2. Get into a good routine

3. Eat healthy foods but also eat a little chocolate

4. Deep/slow breathing

Spiritual

1. Pray or meditate

2. Enjoy nature

3. Get involved in a worthy cause

4. Limit Setting

5. Drop some involvement

6. Prioritize important tasks

7. Use assertive communication

8. Schedule time for yourself