What are Your Favorite Healthy Coping Skills?

@DanaMH

I have started using the Headspace app.

I also come here and listen to others which helps me.

@DanaMH

Hi! My immediate "go to" healthy coping skill is breathing exercises. I like to use an app that has a timer. I notice 7Cups has some breathing techniques available to us as well.

@warmheartedBlackberry592

What app do you use for breathing so individuals can also check it out? Yes, 7cups has some breathing techniques available.

@DanaMH

I like to use Prana Breath, it has a simple user interface & explanations of specific techniques. Another one that i like is Pranayama but it includes more than just breathing, very informative & also user friendly...

@warmheartedBlackberry592

Those sound interesting, I will need to look into those. Thanks for sharing them with us.

@warmheartedBlackberry592 I nevr though about using an app for breathing exercises! That's a great idea and I will look for one which incorporates prana breathing.

@warmheartedBlackberry592

Breathing is the most important thing for me when I'm experiencing any anxiety or stress. I currently don't use any apps but just focus on taking deep breaths. Inhaling through my nose and exhaling out of my mouth.

@BoyofLight

Breathing is often something I forget to do intentionally when stressed or in a moment of acute anxiety. How do you remind yourself to breathe from belly and not shallowly from the chest when you are in the moment, or to make each breath purposeful?

@warmheartedBlackberry592 I like that you use breathing techniques. They really do help with stress and anxiety.

I recently started meditating every morning to find focus before I begin my day. I use an app called headspace. Its quite easy to use and seems beneficial.

Thanks!

Those are all great coping skills and running is a great thing to add to your list.

@AuroraTaranen

@DanaMH

I like to go for a walk, listen to music, play a video game, or do something physical (like a chore, washing and putting away dishes or cleaning the apartment) I would like to remember to use the 5 senses to ground myself, or to see 5 things in the room that are red, (or some other color).

@berryfields2409

Those are all really great coping skills. With no power since Monday morning I have been reading up on some cool things for discussions in the room and forum postings for everyone. It is fun watching the snow come down but I don't think a lot of us realize what we miss with no power and internet and finding good coping skills helps us since I did dishes by hand. Doing laundry now since the snow is starting up again and who knows if the power will go out again.

@berryfields2409 - Using your 5 senses to ground yourself can be especially useful. It just brings one back to where you are and what's going on around you if you are having troubling thoughts or just feel overwhelmed.

Some of my favourites are using my weighted blanket and making sure I have time alone in my room to do whatever I like, journaling, drawing, listening to music

@OceanRest

Those are all great coping skills. I use a quilt and fold it in 1/2 as a weighted blanket.

@DanaMH - Sounds nice. My blanket really helps.

I am new here, and my current favorite coping method is Zumba. I have always enjoyed dancing and with Zumba, I get a good workout, I can listen to loud music and just let go. It's really cathartic!

@blackcatowner

That does look fun when I have seen it on tv.

I find myself counting a lot. I really think that is my habit for coping.

I'm new here so "Hi"... I've built a lot of coping techniques into my day as my PTSD with anxiety has been really high lately. I journal, do crafts, play guitar, play a game (not video games but like Jenga, Yahtzee, etc), do diamond art painting, and probably some other stuff I can't remember off the top of my head lol I also leave the TV on nature scapes all day for noise since I live alone.

@wahmbrenda what is diamond art painting? It sounds very pretty 😀

@DanaMH I enjoy reading (most pdf/ebooks as I can change the font) and recently took up cross-stitch.

This may/may not sound weird; but my favorite healthy coping skill is playing horror games. I like to focus on the eerie environment and solve riddles to keep my mind occupied, which helps me have more control of myself and what I'm doing, like a practice.

What are some of your favorite games and what consoles are you playing on?

1. Drink tea. Take some photographs. Do strength training. Drink flavored water. Change my thoughts. Improve my mood by drinking water or working or reading or listening to a song or a funny video. Make a smoothie. Eat a healthy snack. Eat tuna. 2. Do more strength training. Do more yoga. Do deep breathing. Save money and eat what I’ve already cooked at home. Save money by not shopping online. Save money by being content with what I have.

I drink tea too. Also, I do mantra meditation to Lord Shiva. I like going for long bus rides and deep breathing.

Self Care is a hard one for me since no two days are the same. I also realize I don't want to miss out on events, but then that leads to me feel burnt out and not balanced. With being a wife, a mom, employee, etc, I need to learn to recharge in ways that make the most sense. I am looking forward to hearing about peoples ways of doing this.

@DanaMH

Listening to music is definitely my number one method.

Saying no to plans and staying home to do YOU.

Using my feelings journal and then doing something I like afterwards to wind down my pixel art colouring app or listening to uplifting music and most of all taking time out for myself .

@DanaMH

Sometimes I am not up to doing all (or any) of these but yoga or other exercise, listening to music while cleaning, going for a walk or hike, and taking a shower or bath are probably the most helpful healthy coping skills I have.

I love spending time in nature and walking in the woods, I find getting away from the human world does wonders. But mostestest of all, a bubble bath by candlelight.

crochet and read ing books