What have others used to replace self harm as a coping mechanism?

I would use rubber bands and snap them on my wrist, which helped. For me though, ice worked the best when I was first trying to stop self harming. Writing was an amazing go-to coping mechanism for me! I would keep list around with topics to write about. I would pick one at random and either write my opinion on the subject or I would end up venting and hating on that topic! Which ever one made me feel better at that time haha it worked though :) (Eventually I actually started writing in blogs, guest blogging and writing for peoples websites). I was self-harming for almost 5 years and am now "clean". I haven't self-harmed in 1.5 years :) You can do it, too! Find something that works for you and stick with it. I would write on my mirrors and white boards, "Say NO!" or "Yes, you can!" for when my thought was "I can't do this...". I would usually hang a rubber band next to the note to remind myself that I've already come this far...I CAN keep going, I CAN do this. So can you. :)

Personally, I like to draw on my skin, though drawing on paper is also a great idea! Doing anything that focus your hands and your mind is awesome, like drawing, writing, or cleaning. I organize my closet, rearrange bookshelves, or tidy up my room when I feel the urge to self harm sometimes. The band aid trick has also worked well for me. It's when you put a band aid on the place you want to self harm without actually self harming. Many people swear by drawing on yourself with red pen in the place you want to self harm, too. I think that one of the most important things is to create distance between yourself and your blades. Hide them somewhere in your house that isn't the room you'd usually use them in, or if you feel the urge to self harm get either out of the room they're in/the room you normally self harm in. Getting outside can be really helpful!

i use my music as a coping mechanism. When somethings got me down, I go somewhere quiet and play my cello

Some things that have helped me with coping are that instead of hurting myself I'll read, write, go for a walk, listen to music, draw, or talk to a friend.

Some people used other methods of self harm, (such as squeezing an ice cube) as a coping mechanism. Some people turn to therapy and some people turn to other people. It's all unique to the individual, and our coping mechanisms will differ. What works for one, may not work for another. For example, someone may do sports, and finds that really helps them cope and take their mind off self harm, whereas another may draw instead! :}

I know that one way you can cope with self harm is to simply distract yourself, give yourself multiple things to do that you won't have time to do it.

Having a nice warm bubble bath with a cup of hot chocolate is what I use to replace self-harm. I've also asked to go for an evening walk with one of my family members, I find the cool night air helps clear my mind.

Snapping a hair tie on the wrist, holding an ice cube until it melts, taking a cool or warm shower, punching a pillow or a punching bag.

I had a friend who used to keep a rubber band around her wrist. She would snap it whenever she felt the need to cut. It worked for her. Another friend got tattoos of beautiful art, and she liked the art better than cutting, so she wouldn't cut anymore.

Questing self harm can help asking your self are the scars worth it ? Do I really want to do this again. Trying talking to people.