100 Fun Coping Skills Activities
100 Fun Coping Skills Activities
1. Exercise
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38. Dance 69. Plant some seeds
2. Put on fake tattoos 39. Make hot chocolate, a milkshake or 70. Hunt for your perfect home or car
3. Write (poetry, stories, journal) a smoothie online
4. Scribble/doodle on paper 40. Play with modeling clay or 71. Try to make as many words out of
5. Be with other people Play-Doh your full name as possible
6. Watch a favorite TV show 41. Build a pillow fort 72. Sort through/edit your pictures
7. Hydrate 42. Go for a nice long drive 73. Play with a balloon
8. Go see a movie 43. Complete something you’ve been 74. Give yourself a facial
9. Do a word-search or crossword putting off 75. Play with a favorite childhood toy
10. Do schoolwork 44. Draw on yourself with a marker 76. Start collecting something
11. Play a musical instrument 45. Take up a new hobby 77. Play a video/computer game
12. Paint your nails, do your 46. Look up recipes, cook a meal 78. Clean up trash at your local park
make-up or hair 47. Go outside for 15 minutes 79. Look at [Link]
13. Sing 48. Create or build something 80. Text or call a friend
14. Study the sky 49. Pray 81. Write yourself an “I love you
15. Punch a pillow 50. Make a list of blessings in your life because...” letter
16. Cover yourself with Band-Aids 51. Read the Bible 82. Look up new words and use them
where you want to cut 52. Go to a friend’s house 83. Rearrange furniture
17. Let yourself cry 53. Jump on a trampoline 84. Write a letter to someone that you
18. Take a nap (only if you are tired) 54. Watch an old, happy movie may never send
19. Take a hot shower or relaxing 55. Contact a hotline/your therapist 85. Smile at five people
bath If you want, you can call us 86. Play with your little
20. Play with a pet 1-800-448-3000 brother/sister/niece/nephew
21. Go shopping 56. Talk to someone close to you 87. Go for a walk (with or without a
22. Clean something 57. Ride a bicycle friend)
23. Knit or sew 58. Feed the ducks, birds or squirrels 88. Put a puzzle together
24. Read a good book 59. Color 89. Clean your room/closet
25. Listen to music 60. Memorize a poem, play or song 90. Try to do handstands, cartwheels
26. Try some aromatherapy (candle, 61. Stretch or backbends
lotion, room spray) 62. Search for ridiculous things on the 91. Yoga
27. Meditate internet 92. Teach your pet a new trick
28. Go somewhere very public 63. “Shop” online (without buying 93. Learn a new language
29. Bake cookies anything) 94. Move EVERYTHING in your room to
30. Create a vision board 64. Color coordinate your wardrobe a new spot
31. Paint or draw 65. Watch fish 95. Get together with friends to play
32. Rip paper into itty bitty pieces 66. Make a playlist of your favorite frisbee, soccer or basketball
33. Shoot hoops, kick a ball songs 96. Hug a friend or family member
34. Write a letter or send an email 67. Play the “15 Minute Game” (Avoid 97. Search online for new
35. Plan your dream room something for 15 minutes, when time songs/artists
(colors/furniture) is up start again) 98. Make a list of goals for the
36. Hug a pillow or stuffed animal 68. Plan your wedding/prom/other week/month/year/5 years
37. Hyper-focus on something like a event 99. Perform a random act of kindness
rock, hand, etc.
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Hyper-focusing allows the mind to engage fully with the present moment, reducing anxiety by minimizing the intrusion of stress-inducing thoughts. This mindfulness practice can slow down the physiological symptoms of anxiety by encouraging calm and deep breathing, thus promoting relaxation and grounding .
Cooking or baking involves creativity, focus, and the satisfaction of completing a task, providing a sense of accomplishment. The process can be meditative, reducing stress as individuals engage fully in the sensory experience. It enhances mood through anticipation and the reward of tasting the final product, potentially boosting self-esteem and self-care .
Coloring can reduce stress by providing a simple, repetitive activity that encourages relaxation and appears meditative. It can also enhance creativity and focus. However, the benefits are likely temporary, and coloring might not address the underlying causes of stress, potentially serving as a distraction rather than a solution .
Writing poetry or journaling facilitates self-expression, allowing individuals to explore and articulate complex emotions and thoughts. This process can lead to emotional clarity and catharsis, as writing helps organize and reflect on experiences, thus aiding in emotional processing and healing by providing insight and understanding .
Creating a vision board helps clarify goals and aspirations by turning abstract ideas into concrete, visual images. This process can reinforce commitment to goals and increase motivation by regularly visualizing one's dreams, thereby enhancing focus and fostering a positive attitude toward achieving future objectives .
Playing a musical instrument can serve as a powerful form of stress relief by providing an emotional outlet. It can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase subjective well-being by engaging the brain in a complex, satisfying task that induces a state of mindfulness and flow, thereby diverting attention from stressors .
Hot showers or relaxing baths can alleviate physical tension, promoting relaxation through thermotherapy. The warmth induces a calming effect, decreasing muscle tension and enhancing circulation, which can lower stress levels. These activities offer a sensory escape and an opportunity for solitude, helping to center emotions and recharge mentally .
Participating in team sports can enhance social connections, improve communication skills, and foster a sense of community and belonging. It provides an opportunity for physical exercise that can boost mood and reduce stress while also encouraging teamwork and cooperation, which can be fulfilling and supportive emotionally .
Rearranging furniture can be a form of self-care as it allows for a change in environment, promoting a sense of renewal and accomplishment. It can serve as a physical manifestation of personal changes, leading to increased comfort and personalization of one’s space, which can enhance mental well-being by creating a more calming and inspiring environment .
Listing blessings is a gratitude practice that can shift focus away from negative thoughts and improve overall mood. It encourages a positive mindset, fosters appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and strengthens emotional resilience by refocusing attention on positive events and supportive relationships .