Coping skills are methods a person can use when in distress.  There are good and bad coping skills.  Self-harm, drug use, and alcohol use are examples of bad coping skills.  There are tons of good coping skills you can use instead of bad ones.  Below is a list of just some good coping skills:

1. Write in journal
2. Read a book
3. Watch TV
4. Watch Youtube
5. Take a nap
6. Call a friend
7. Text a friend
8. Play with pet
9. Cuddle with pet
10. Take a walk
11. Exercise
12. Walk around a store
13. Bake
14. Cook
15. Play a game
16. Clean
17. Take a drive
18. Organize something
19. Write a story or poem
20. Write a list of things you are grateful for
21. Drink tea
22. Knit
23. Cross stitch
24. Color
25. Draw
26. Paint
27. Play with play-doh
28. Take a shower
29. Take a bath
30. Meet a friend for a meal
31. Cry
32. Meditate
33. Listen to a podcast or book on tape
34. Listen to music
35. Use the internet to learn something
36. Make candles
37. Sing
38. Eat your favorite food (in moderation)
39. Watch a comedian
40. Garden
41. Sit outside/watch nature
42. Make a collage
43. Make a dream board
44. Read a magazine
45. Invent a game
46. Visit animals at the Humane Society
47. Volunteer
48. Go to a playground and swing/slide
49. Go to a museum
50. Talk to mental health team member
51. Do opposite action (do the opposite of what you want to, e.g. don’t isolate)
52. Do arts and crafts
53. Groom your pet
54. Self-hygiene (wash face, clip nails, etc.)
55. Hold and ice cube
56. Jump until you are out of breath
57. Scream into a pillow
58. Rant to self or to a friend
59. Play video games
60. Go to a thrift store
61. Polish shoes
62. Work on budget
63. Make amazon wish list
64. Call suicide hotline
65. Go to a support group meeting
66. Fix something that is broken
67. Play a sport
68. Watch a sport
69. Write a letter
70. Get a massage
71. Get a mani/pedi
72. Invent foods in kitchen
73. Go to a coffee shop
74. Make a to-do list and work at crossing things off
75. Floss your teeth
76. Write song lyrics
77. Play an instrument
78. Go on a forum with like minded people
79. Look at post secret
80. Make a postcard for post secret
81. Practice photography
82. Fold laundry
83. Hand wash clothing
84. Make a to-read list
85. Clean the microwave
86. Go to library
87. Go to the zoo
88. Go to the aquarium
89. Create something on shutterfly
90. Go to relax by a body of water
91. Learn a new card game
92. Say positive affirmations
93. Put together outfits from what is in your closet
94. Build something
95. Go to a park
96. Meet new people
97. Design your dream home
98. Jump on a trampoline
99. Walk yours or a friends dog
100. Design a tattoo