What would be a better, non-harmful, alternative to self-harm?

Self harm has the potential to be dangerous and is addictive, it's better to find less addictive and less dangerous coping mechanisms

Try to keep your mind busy. Do anything and everything you can think of as a better alternative to self harm. The more you self harm, the more addicting it gets and the harder it gets to stop. So, it is better to stop the start sooner than later.

I always offered the butterfly method for stopping. Draw butterflies where you normally harm yourself. If you harm yourself, you kill the butterfly. ~ Some alternatives are coloring, eating, music, meditation, a bike ride (or a run), screaming into a pillow, clenching your fist and letting all your emotion go into them, deep breathing, and so on.

I definitely recommend music. Just put your music in and relax. Think about happy thoughts :) you’re perfect and 110% enough.

Anything which provides a distraction or coping mechanism which isn't harmful to you or other people. It honestly depends on your personal interests. You could do a number of things: (1) Write down a list of what is bothering you, it can feel cathartic to write down your thoughts and feelings. Now, you can either rip up the list, and with it, those harmful feelings. Or write down ways in which you could solve those problems, concerns or fears. (2) Talk to a friend/family member (or a listener on 7 Cups) to help you manage your emotions and calm your busy mind. (3) Sometimes self-harm is done impulsively and rashly. Take a deep breath, and keep breathing until your heartbeat has calmed. Think to yourself about all of the reasons why hurting yourself is not the answer. (4) Do something that will make you smile. (Watch a funny movie, your favourite YouTuber, draw, read, sing, dance, cook, anything that will take your mind away from that dark path) (5) Remind yourself that YOU are in control, not your thoughts. You can overcome any feelings that threaten to upset you.

Some people find listening to music that reflects their emotional state helps, another alternative is speaking to someone either a loved one or a listener here who is comfortable with speaking about self harm, you can also do something that is more body centric if your self harm is linked in to dissociation for example place an ice cube on your skin, or taste a really distinct flavoured food. You can also try going running or doing vigorous exercise (but not in excess).

I think it's different for everybody, what works best for me is going out or see a friend. I know it's probably the last thing you want to do in those moments but it's really really helpful and when you find the strength to do the first step and walk out the door or call a friend you instantly feel better! anyway there are other things you could do when you feel the urge, you could write a letter where you explain how you feel (I find this also very very helpful) or draw something! you could take a shower or cook and eat something you like. anything to let the wave of the urge passes! stay safe :)

Depending on the way that you self harm, there are many other things that you can try. For example, if you punch walls to cause pain to your hands, start punching softer objects, like a pillow. If you cut, get a pen, a red one if you have one, though it doesn't necessarily matter and just draw on your wrist where you would cut. Go through the whole process, the same number of times you would, the same length of cut and so on, only with a pen. Write your feelings down, go for a walk with music or do some exercise. If these suggestions don't help, have a look at the self-help guide on this website, there are many different coping mechanisms you can try. Find the one that works best for you.

A really great thing for simulating the sensation is ripping up pantyhose on your legs. Start by cutting a small hole and rip it all up Fun activities that may result in small amounts of pain (paintballing) may also work

I instead like to work on electronics when I am feeling down. It keeps me focused on other things and soon enough I am no longer thinking about what was bothering me.