What is the best way to distract youself from wanting to self-harm?

Personally I find colouring in my adult colouring book to be a very good way of distracting myself. It focuses my mind on something else and keeps my hands busy. It might sound silly but I find it helps me when I'm feeling like I want to self-harm.

If you feel an even stronger urge to self-harm, try the following harm minimisation tips: Use a red felt tip pen to mark where you might usually cut Hit pillows or cushions, or have a good scream into a pillow or cushion to vent anger and frustration Rub ice across your skin where you might usually cut, or hold an ice-cube in the crook of your arm or leg Put elastic bands on wrists, arms or legs and flick them instead of cutting or hitting Have a cold bath or shower

Trying to engage yourself in activities and hobbies you love is one way to go. Do things that make you happy the most. Spend time with your loved ones and talk to them. Do everything that makes you happy. Or try doing it.

Read a book, listen to music, sing a song, recite the alphabet, braid your hair, find some funny videos on YouTube.

The best way to distract myself from wanting to self harm is drawing on the places where I want to self harm. It helps even more if you use a pen so it will cause a little pain but won't hurt you.

Exercising has always been a massive help for me. Cardio, especially running, has helped. There's also drawing, in which I could direct my pain into what I was drawing rather than my own skin. I also found that things such as cooking and arts and crafts were good, because they both involved things I could use to self-harm. I was so focused on what I was doing and how I wanted it to be awesome, which overwhelmed the temptation to self harm. Some of these might work, but everyone has to find their own method of distraction - these things can be based off the individual's passions and interests rather than things that other people do.