Here are 15 HEALTHY habits of positive coping skills exercises. I say “habits”, because that is what they need to become. You need to post these in a place you can think of when you are having your crisis moment.

You may find the exercise that works best for you by reading this list one-by-one. Rather than practicing any type of hurtful behavior while you are trying to cope with stress, try practicing some of the exercises as a healthy alternative. You can use these 15 coping skills exercises to help you redirect your mind away from any crisis you are presently experiencing.

Coping With Depression-Anxiety

1. Change your surroundings by taking a long walk. You can wall in the park at the mall or along walking trails.

2. Turn on some happy, feel good music to uplift your spirits. Avoid using angry music, since it will compound any negative feelings you are trying to overcome.

3. Call/text/email a SUPPORTIVE friend or family member. I emphasis supportive! When coping with anxiety attacks, sometimes friends and family members think they are helping us, but really they are hurting us. Find that special person you can trust.

4. Hold your own laugh fest, by collecting your most funny movies on DVD or video and then watch them until you do feel better.

5. Treat yourself to something special. When you are feeling down, treat yourself to something that will make you feel better. Perhaps, something that takes you to happier time.

6. Take yourself out to lunch or invite a friend to go with you. I use to invite one of my best friends to breakfast. It was nice, because she was my one true friend I could trust and who I looked to for support. We always had a good visit.

7. Card games or board games are fun. Play a game by yourself, such as a computer game or invite others to join you in a game. You can redirect your thoughts when you are upset by playing games.

8. Read a good NON-THERAPY book/novel. I spent so much time reading therapy books; I forgot the joy of being transported to another time or place by reading a good non-therapy book. You need to give yourself permission to take a “therapy” break.

9. Use a journal or drawing pad. You can get all your feelings out while drawing or journaling. These ideas are very popular with many individuals. Anything you feel or experience, you can write down or draw. You may choose to share it with others or you may wish to keep it private, for your eyes only. Get your own set of color pencils or crayons and release everything you have bottled up by drawing them out on paper.

10. Take time with your pet. If you have a pet, you can enjoy their feelings of unconditional love towards you. Sit with your pet or play with your pet. Take your canine companion for a walk, listen to the purring of your cat or watch the tranquil activity of your fish.

11. Ride a bike and get some exercise and relaxation. There are hidden trails that you may wish to travel just to get away from it all. Allow these trails to transport you to a more peaceful atmosphere. Take in the wonderful sights and sounds of the natural world around you.

12. Join a gym. Not only can this help you with changing your surroundings, but it would be doing something good for yourself. Exercise is excellent for depression and anxiety!

13. Do volunteer work. I did this at my local hospital and I felt so useful again. Not only was I doing something for myself, but I was helping others at the same time.

14. Join an online or local support group. I tried this, but it proved too overwhelming for me. Only you can be the judge of this suggestion. I would give it a try and really listen to your voice inside as to if it will hurt or help you.

15. Work a puzzle. You can work on a puzzle either alone or with friends and family. Puzzles are always fun activities. You may want a small one you can complete in one sitting or you may prefer a large puzzle that you can return to time and time again.

When you feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings, you will find that these coping skills exercises can be most beneficial to you. Print this out and then pencil in any of your ideas for coping with stress. Remember to post them somewhere that you will see them when you are experiencing a hard time, as they can be very resourceful for you.