Therapeutic Coping Skills

When looking to be mindful, consider some of the following activities:

  1. Four Square Breathing
    1. Inhale to a count of four, hold your lungs empty for a four-count, exhale to a count of four, and hold air in your lungs for a count of four before exhaling and beginning the pattern 
  2. Journaling 
    1. Name the feeling, what is causing it, what do you want to do about it.
  3. Using Creativity
    1. Draw, paint, color, or make a collage.
  4. Self-soothe by using your five senses 
    1. Something to touch: stress ball, fidgets 
    2. Something to hear: music, podcast 
    3. Something to smell: lotion, candles, essential oils 
    4. Something to taste: candy, gum, mint 
    5. Something to see: what reminds you of a happy place.

Other Options Include:

  • Meditation 
  • Take a walk 
  • Listen to music 
  • Enjoy nature and spend time outside
  • Get enough sleep 
  • Read a book 
  • Schedule time for yourself 
  • Talk to a therapist