How can I distract myself from wanting to self-harm?

self harm is a way which release emotional stress in a person but self harm is additive too if self harm grows and grows the person is addicted to it for example today a person cuts once the next day he has the urge to cut twice again and it goes on there are several methods to stop self harm one of the best methods is Music therapy it releases tension your stress n makes you feel good again . Another method is the deep breathing technique in this technique take deep breath and during each inhalation think you are taking in positivity and each exhale think all negativity going out . This gives relief to the most of the emotional stress.

Try The Butterfly Project-The Butterfly Project has been created for self-harmers who feel they are ready to stop and need the motivation or support to do so. A member’s hypnotherapist, who found this idea on an online blog and felt that it was a good idea that should be promoted as a distraction, has recommended it.The idea is simple. The self-harmer simply draws a butterfly on their place(s) of self-harm and, if the butterfly fades without them self-harming, it means it has lived and flown away, giving them a sense of achievement. Whereas if they do self-harm with the butterfly there; they will have to wash it off. If that does happen, they can start again by drawing a new one.

What I did, was I did a whole bunch of busy work (Like hobbies- gaming, reading, sewing, studying, whatever interests you)that distracted me from anything that could harm myself. If I ever felt the urge to cut, I'd call someone on the phone immediately and just talk- about anything at all so that way I'd be doing something and not hurt myself.

Draw a beautiful butterfly on the area you want to hurt. It doesn't matter how it looks, good or bad. Then remember, if you cut the butterfly dies.

Watch your favorite television show on netflix, drink cold water, take a shower, take a nap, pet some animals, read some books, write emo poetry, paint, write in a journal, eat some icecream, talk to someone, and watch videos of Ashton Irwin laughing I swear it will turn your life around.

Focus on the positives. Whenever you think to self-harm, use something else you really love as a substitute. For example, if you love basketball, as soon as you think to self-harm, think basketball and then go and play some. Use something you really love to distract you from the present feeling.

There are a lot of alternatives to self-harm and a lot of them include distraction. Do something you like doing is the best one. Also drawing, writing, and ripping up paper. Drawing on myself with a red pen and talking to people works best for me. There are lots of alternatives though, that's just to name a few.

One way to distract yourself is to do something productive, so you know you're working towards something. You could start a puzzle, knit, write, paint, draw, or anything you like doing in your free time normally. You can also self care, and listen to music, stay in blankets, make a hot drink, or be around the people you love.

Check out this link --> http://sirius-project.org/2011/08/16/distractions-and-alternatives-to-self-harm/ It has everything you'll ever need to distract yourself, it's the best one out there.

Find a new activity that gets your mind off of it. Go out with friends, go for a run, or try something artsy! Over time you may find that you have replaced to urge to self-harm with the urge to do something productive whenever you feel like you need a release or escape.