In Episode 53: Dealing with Stress in Recovery, (releasing on Sept 11, 2023) our guests share tons of ideas for coping skills for recovery that have worked for them. Here are the things they mentioned, and a huge list of other coping skills, too. Find a few that sound like they might work for you, and try them. Recovery is all about keeping an open mind and trying new things. Keep what works, ditch what doesn’t – just don’t give up!
It’s the little stressors that bring about the most disastrous reactions.
Remember – it’s often the little stressors that bring about the most disastrous reactions. We tend to want to ignore them, or downplay them. We tell ourselves, “This isn’t bad enough to get upset about.” But doing that only leaves the stress weighing you down. If you don’t acknowledge the little things, and take care of them as they come, they can quickly pile up and send you to a danger zone.
- Box breathing
- Call/text a friend
- Play the tape forward
- Go for a walk
- Listen to classical music
- Practice mindfulness
- Find ways to help others
- Go to a meeting
- Focus on gratitude
- Self care
- Take a bath
- Read a book
- Recite the serenity prayer
- Watch funny animal videos on Instagram
- Create some art
- Journal
- Go to bed early
- Go for a drive
- Have a cup of tea
- Practice yoga
- Try a guided meditation
- Watch a movie
- Work in a garden
- Take a nap
- Light candles or incense
- Blow bubbles
- Get some exercise
- Write poetry
- Dance around the house
- Listen to an audio book
- Declutter/clean
- Eat something special
- Lay in the sunshine
- Spend time with friends
- Color in a coloring book
Keep what works, ditch what doesn’t – just don’t give up!
What are your favorite coping skills for recovery? Share them in the comments so others can try them, too!
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