Humans can utilize thought, emotion, or behavior to manage stressful experiences or change. Styles of coping can differ based on the significant life event and the person who is affected by it. Instrumental or problem-focused coping mechanisms will directly deal with the issue to reduce stress, whereas emotion-focused strategies focus on your feelings toward the change. Active coping requires awareness of your triggers and consciously choosing to reduce your reactions. Avoidant coping can temporarily stall the stressor with a distraction to avoid the issue. Talking through your stressors with a support system like us can be effective in gaining awareness of your reactions. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for you to explore your preferred coping skills and to develop beneficial stress management techniques.
Here are 40 coping strategies adults can use to manage stress and anxiety:
- Take a walk
- Listen to favorite music
- Do something for someone else
- Play a card game
- Take a nap
- Sip a coffee/beverage in the park
- Do something creative – draw or color in, knit or build something with your hands
- Take something apart that needs fixing
- Gaze at the stars
- Do an activity that you have always wanted to do
- Watch some funny animal clips
- Take some deep breaths and listen to the sound it makes
- Write a letter
- Declutter a room
- Do things that relax the mind
- Listen to an interesting/inspiring podcast
- Plan spectacular holiday for friends or family
- Phone an aunt or cousin
- Get a massage
- Play an instrument
- Clean out your wardrobe and give what you don’t want to charity
- Write a card to a friend
- Do a mindless chore
- Buy a bunch of flowers
- Watch some videos
- Start a new hobby
- Squeeze a stress ball
- Do some physical activity such as gardening
- Call a friend
- Give someone a hand
- Start a puzzle
- Do some stretching or join a class
- Watch a movie
- Write your thoughts in a journal
- Do a crossword or word-search
- Cook something to share
- Light a scented candle and watch the flame dance
- Head to the beach, the mountains or a national park
- Listen to a mindfulness app
- Get a facial or manicure
- Visit a museum or gallery