25 Coping Strategies to Beat Anxiety & Depression

Let's replace our bad coping mechanisms (drinking, restricting, isolating) with positive coping mechanisms (connecting, reflecting, grounding)! Take your pick from these sensory, cognitive, active, connection and distraction sub-categories, and let me know: what is YOUR best coping strategy?

Sensory: grounding techniques, to become more in touch with your body's sensations. 

• Music 
• Walk in nature 
• Sensory toys 
• Soft blankets 
• Body scan 

Active: 'active' activities can require mental and or physical exertion. They create a sense of purpose, and a bit of motivation is something we can all do with if we're feeling low. 

• Boxing
• Running
• Yoga
• Stretching/gentle movement
• Learning a new language 
• Watching a documentary 

Connection: Connection is one of the pillars to mental wellbeing, and it's an important one. Try:

• Hugging
• Cuddling a pet
• Talking to a friend 
• Meeting a friend for lunch 
• Opening up in therapy 

Distraction: in moments of crisis, when you just need to deal and get back to your emotions at a later time...

• Reading
• TV
• Audiobook
• Youtube 

After these activities, ask yourself: does it make me feel good right now? Will it help keep my mood raised in the future? Then continue doing the things that work for YOU xx